Could Ocean Water Help Fix Arizona’s Drought Troubles? This Agreement Puts It One Step Closer

It’s a tantalizing question. As the Colorado River drought squeezes the Southwest, why not turn to the ocean for more water? Now, the largest desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere could help make that a reality, purifying ocean water and helping boost Arizona’s drinking supplies.

The San Diego County Water Authority, which uses the desalination plant in Carlsbad, California, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a water transfer program. It’s the first step in a process that could see the Phoenix and Tucson areas benefit from treated seawater.