Dual-Purpose Desalting in Pacific Southwest

There is an urgent need for additional fresh water supply in the rapidly developing Southwest portion of the United States. Several studies which have been made with the cooperation of state, federal, and local agencies show that there will be an estimated deficit of millions of acre-feet per year in this area by the year 2020. Desalting is likely to play an important role in meeting part of this deficit. Other measures such as the transfer of freshwater from the Pacific Northwest or Canada may be necessary as well. As the operation of combined electric power and desalting plants is more economical than plants producing just water, studies included consideration of the projected market for large quantities of power in this area. It is clear from these studies that the power that would be generated at stations serving dual-purpose desalting plants could be easily absorbed in the same area.