Regional Seawater Desalination Program Website

The City of Santa Cruz Water Department (City) and Soquel Creek Water District (District) have been collaborating to conserve, protect and create reliable water resources. Both have already implemented numerous stringent conservation and curtailment requirements to maximize efficient water use, but the region needs a reliable supplemental water source that will (1) provide needed supply during droughts, (2) allow for more water to be left in local streams and rivers to protect threatened and endangered species, and (3) restore protective groundwater levels to help prevent contamination of our groundwater supply by seawater intrusion.

After over 20 years of multiple studies and  public meetings, the City and District have identified a portfolio of existing supplies, conservation, cutbacks during droughts, and a supplemental supply to meet its customer's needs.

Desalination was identified as the potential supplemental supply to further evaluate. In 2007, the City and District joined together to address their different needs and share the costs associated with evaluating the proposed project.

This program is currently in an Environmental Review process evaluating the potential for a 2.5 million gallon per day desalination facility in Santa Cruz. No decision has yet been made on the actual construction of the proposed project.

Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) is scheduled for release on May 13, 2013

The Draft EIR is scheduled for release on May 13, 2013.  During the 60-day comment period, interested public agencies, organizations, community groups, and individuals are encouraged to submit their written comments on the adequacy of the Draft EIR. For information on the EIR process, click here

To access the on-line library of environmental review reports, including the Draft EIR and appendices, click here. 

Hard copies of the Draft EIR and a CD of the appendices are located at several locations throughout the City and District's service areas.