Pilot Plant Groundbreaking
The City of Santa Cruz Water Department (SCWD) in partnership with Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD) have broken ground for construction of the Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination Pilot Test Plant located at UC Santa Cruz’s Long Marine Laboratory.

Bruce Daniels, president of Soquel Creek Water District’s Board of Directors and a member of the Task Force, stated: “Both agencies have identified desalination as the best option, in combination with water conservation and curtailment (temporary water use restrictions), to preserve groundwater supplies and deliver a flexible and reliable water source during drought periods.”

UCSC Staff have been working closely with SCWD on plans for the pilot plant, with the University providing a site for the project and access to Long Marine Lab’s seawater system. Santa Cruz City Councilmember Mike Rotkin, who also serves on the Task Force, stated: “The Seawater Desalination Pilot Test Program is part of the initial investigative stage required to evaluate issues related to public safety, environmental protection and plant operations.”