Desalination Briefing Focuses on Federal Government's Role -- California Institute Capitol Hill Bulletin -- Volume 10, Bulletin 21 -- July 17, 2003

On Friday, July 11, 2003, the U.S. Desalination Coalition held a luncheon briefing on recent improvements in desalination technology, existing and planned desalination projects throughout the country, and the opportunity for the Federal government to play a role in expanding the development of desalination projects. The Coalition is a group of municipal water agencies whose mission is to encourage the development of seawater and brackish groundwater desalination projects, and to raise the visibility of desalination at the federal level as an option in meeting the future demand for clean and reliable water. The membership includes the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Municipal Water District of Orange County, the San Diego County Water Authority, the West Basin Municipal Water District (Los Angeles), and the American Water Company - Western Region. Several Florida water agencies are also members.

Mr. Bernie Rhinerson, Chairman of the U.S. Desalination Coalition, briefed the luncheon attendees on desalination efforts throughout the country. Mr. Rhinerson urged the federal government to recognize that desalination may be a solution to water shortages, particularly because the costs associated with desalination have fallen dramatically in recent years. He said that the Coalition is seeking federal support of approximately 62 cents per 1,000 gallons of desalinated water, or approximately $200 per acre foot. Mr. Rhinerson added that desalination projects are especially important and cost effective in states like California with severe water problems, and announced plans for opening desalination plants in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Monterey.

For more information about U.S. Desalination Coalition, visit http://www.usdesal.org .

To expand communications between Washington and California, the California Institute provides periodic bulletins regarding current activity on Capitol Hill that directly impacts our state. Bulletins are published weekly during sessions of Congress, and occasionally during other periods.

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