New study shows Carlsbad Desal Plant is Eco-Friendly

A new report released by the San Diego County Water Authority shows the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant offers an environmentally responsible water supply in an era of increasing water scarcity.

The report, prepared by Miller Marine Science & Consulting, Inc., highlighted the comprehensive monitoring requirements in place for desalination plants in California to demonstrate how nearshore waters remain healthy.

“The most robust monitoring program of the area ever completed demonstrated the Carlsbad Desalination Plant is operating in compliance with all applicable regulations and permits in harmony with the coastal marine environment.”

Among the study’s findings were:

• The Carlsbad coastal marine environment continues to support its full suite of beneficial uses.
• The Carlsbad Desalination Plant’s discharge is not disturbing the receiving water quality or environment outside the brine mixing zone.
• The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is not discharging toxic substances to the detriment of the environment. The plant’s operations result in an environmentally safe discharge to the marine environment in compliance with all regulations.

The desal plant provides several environmental benefits by offsetting carbon emissions, employing cutting-edge technology to reduce and recapture 46% of energy consumption during desalination, and restoring extensive coastal wetlands to benefit native fish, wildlife, and plant species within South San Diego Bay.

To date, the desal plant has produced more than 124 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water for the San Diego region. The Miller Marine report was a requirement of the plant’s discharge permit and evaluates four years of extensive environmental monitoring conducted between 2019 – 2023.

To read the full study, click here.