Welcome to the scwd² Seawater Reverse Osmosis Cooperative Desalination Program Web site.

 

This program is evaluating the potential Desalination Plant in Santa Cruz to provide needed water supply during droughts, protect groundwater aquifers, and improve water supply reliability for Santa Cruz and Soquel Creek Water District water users.  No decision has been made on the construction of a full-scale desalination plant.

 

The City of Santa Cruz Water Department (SCWD) and Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD) identified desalination as the best option for delivering an additional flexible and reliable water source. To take advantage of the benefits derived from a cooperative facility, SCWD and SqCWD have joined together to address their different needs and share the investigative costs associated with the potential full-scale Desalination Plant.  

 

If the proposed desalination plant were to be constructed, SCWD would be able to  address its drought protection needs  and SqCWD would be able to  protect its groundwater resources from saltwater intrusion. SCWD and SqCWD will continue to use conservation and curtailment requirements to maximize efficient use of water resources.