Santa Barbara County leaders have toured an ocean water desalination plant in Carlsbad as part of their investigation into the costs and production capabilities involved in this facility. It went on line last year.

The trip was attended recently by  Supervisor Peter Adam, County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato and members of the staff. The facility is on a six-acre site and the plant is operating continuously.   Operating costs range from $49-$54 million a year. It makes about 50 million gallons of water daily.