California American Water announced that it has completed its coastal development permit application for the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project, a multipronged effort to increase water supply to the Monterey Peninsula through desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, and a groundwater replenishment project in the region.
The American Water subsidiary announced that its permit application was deemed complete by the California Coastal Commission The application is a major step in continuing the project, and details plans for site development and the execution of the desalination-related facilities.
“The Monterey Peninsula has been in need of additional drought-proof, reliable water supplies for more than 25 years,” said Ian Crooks, vice president of engineering for California American Water. “The project will protect the Carmel River ecosystem, supply new water for housing and jobs, and California American Water is committed to providing costal access and resiliency solutions for the Monterey Peninsula and the community it serves.”
The desalination facility will include a system of slant wells constructed on a former industrial sand mining site to draw unusable seawater and deliver that saline water to a desalination plant located in Monterey County. The desalinated water will then be delivered directly to the Monterey Peninsula for municipal uses within California American Water’s service area. Slant wells are the preferred method to obtain water for desalination since they draw ocean water from beneath the coastal subsurface, which avoids harm to the environment and marine life.
“The California Coastal Commission has publicly stated support for desalination as part of the state’s water resiliency effort and we are proud of the work that has gone into the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project to meet the needs of our community,” Crooks said.
Due to water shortages, a building moratorium has been in place on the Monterey Peninsula, resulting in job loss and limited housing for people in the region.
“The Monterey Peninsula is facing a serious water shortage that is only growing worse due to drought and climate change, and is significantly impacting the region’s ability to build housing for families and supply businesses with necessary water,” said Mary Ann Carbone, Mayor of Sand City. “Our community desperately needs a new water supply. The future of our region is tied to the water security desalination will provide.”
