Essay --

INTRODUCTION In California, 2013 marked the direst year on record. Rainfall precipitation statewide was 7 inches, while the previously recorded driest year dates back to 1898, with 11.6 inches. So it was no surprise that on January 27th 2014, Governor Brown declared California in a drought state of emergency and directed state officials to take action (DWR). The Department of Water Resources has reduced water allocations from the State Water Project to zero percent, affecting 29 public water agencies. Not only has the current drought impacted California on a political level, it has evoked panic in the public, especially farmers, who rely on a steady water supply to make their living. There is an urgent need for a solution, but little agreement on an action. Conservation approaches have always been in play, however another proposed solution involves the production of potable water through the process of desalination. Desalination involves the removal of salt and other minerals from saline water to produce pure water. Specialized facilities, referred to as desalination plants, utilize this process to generate fresh water from seawater and brackish ground water. The water produced by these plants can then be used for human consumption and agricultural purposes. Therefore, the construction of desalination plants is being considered as an answer to the state’s current water crisis. Although desalination offers the significant benefit of an increased water supply, there are negative environmental impacts. The problem is its extreme energy demands resulting in high emission of greenhouse gases. Background Desalination is a not a new idea; President Kennedy opened the first desalination plant in 1961. Although interest began in 1952 ... ...lifornia’s water future. Desalination offers a benefit like no other, especially during situations of drought such as the one California is currently experiencing. With a constant supply of fresh water through desalination, farmers will not be subjected to water cuts and thus a reduction in agricultural production. The output of 3 to 4 desalination plants will be large enough to provide water to both the agriculture and the people of California. Conclusions Like any political policy, limiting the number desalination plants in California has its benefits and its costs. The potential water supply produced by these plants will be cut in half. However this is an acceptable cost when you consider the lowered potential of environmental harm. Both sides of the debate will never be in harmony, although the proposed policy offers a compromise that should be considered.