Cost-Benefit Analysis

Evaluation of the Costs and Benefits of Implementing Ocean Water Desalination as a Local Drinking Water Supply

The purpose of this analysis is to provide an evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with implementing a 20 million gallons per day (MGD) Ocean Water Desalination Project (OWDP, Project) as a new, local drinking water supply source for the West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin). The Project includes the construction of an ocean water intake system, a new desalination facility, a brine discharge system, and a desalinated water conveyance system.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis objectives are to:

• Determine the cost range of implementing a potential OWDP;
• Determine the potential wholesale drinking water rate impacts resulting from a potential OWDP; and
• Identify and analyze other impacts leading tangible and intangible costs and benefits from the potential OWDP.

A summary of the analysis findings was presented to the West Basin Board of Directors at a Special Board meeting held on August 2, 2021. The full agenda packet is available for download. View recorded meeting video online.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis is presented in six chapters, linked below.