A desalination project on the Monterey Peninsula is being proposed by the California American Water Company (CalAm) and has an application pending before the California Public Utility Commission (PUC). The project’s estimated cost is approximately $400 million. CalAm is seeking a replacement water source to offset a state-ordered cutback in pumping from the Carmel River that takes full effect at the start of 2017. The project will have impacts to both the supply and costs of water to Monterey’s small businesses.

Nine third-party groups are involved as intervening on the desal project before the PUC, including: Coalition of Peninsula Businesses, Water Plus, LandWatch Monterey County, Planning and Conservation League Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, Salinas Valley Water Coalition, Public Trust Alliance, Citizens for Public Water, and Sierra Club. On December 13, 2012, the administrative law judge at the PUC will hold a prehearing conference to determine the parties, positions of the parties, issues, and other procedural matters. Read More At PUC Website

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