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California American Water Announces Phasing for Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project

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California American Water introduced a phased plan for the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP) to enhance the Monterey Peninsula's water supply. This initiative involves a 6.4 million gallon per day desalination facility, with an initial output of 4.8 million gallons. Community feedback supports the need for drought-proof water supplies to foster economic development and housing construction. The approach allows for future expansions while addressing water shortages exacerbated by drought and reduced Carmel River use.

Positive
  • Establishment of a phased plan for the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project to meet immediate water supply needs.
  • Initial phase of the desalination plant allows for flexibility and future expansions aimed at accommodating regional water needs.
  • Community support for the project indicates a positive reception, which may enhance investor confidence.
Negative
  • Ongoing water shortages due to mandated reductions in Carmel River use and severe drought conditions.
  • Building moratorium in the Monterey Peninsula may hinder local economic recovery and housing availability.

The Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP) proposes project phasing plan to ensure reliable water supply now and in the future

MONTEREY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- California American Water is announcing a phasing plan for the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project, part of a multipronged effort to increase water supply to the Monterey Peninsula through desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, and a groundwater replenishment project in the region. The application currently before the California Coastal Commission calls for development of ocean slant wells to supply a 6.4 million gallon per day desalination plant. The company is proposing a multi-phase plan to develop needed water supplies with the first phase of the desalination facility producing 4.8 million gallons per day.

“The Monterey Peninsula has been in need of additional drought-proof, reliable water supplies for over 25 years,” said Ian Crooks, Vice President of Engineering for California American Water. “Building the first phase of MPWSP will protect the Carmel River ecosystem and create a drought-proof new water supply for our service area.”

California American Water has been conducting extensive outreach to customers, local officials and residents throughout Monterey County. Efforts have included 10 public workshops since August as well as individual meetings and presentations to interested stakeholders. Feedback on the project has highlighted community support for a drought-proof water supply that will allow for new housing construction and support economic development. It has also illuminated the benefits of a flexible phased approach to start the project that can ultimately accommodate future needs and provide opportunity for regional public participation when additional supplies are needed in California American Water’s service area or elsewhere in the region.

The desalination facility will include a system of ocean slant wells constructed on a former industrial sand mining site to draw unusable seawater, deliver that saline water to a desalination plant located in Monterey County, and send desalinated water directly to the Monterey Peninsula for municipal uses within California American Water’s service area. Ocean slant wells are the preferred method to obtain water for desalination since they draw ocean water from beneath the coastal subsurface, which avoids harm to the environment and marine life. Reducing the initial size of the facility will limit the number of ocean slant wells needed at this time and help control construction costs while ensuring that the project can accommodate future water resource needs.

“Phasing the MPWSP strikes the right balance to meet the critical need for sufficient and reliable drought-proof water supply to meet demands in the near term while allowing for additional supply as it becomes needed over the next 30 years,” said Crooks. “In addition, as we heard from the community, phasing the project with the possibility of expanding the project to accommodate future regional water supply needs through public participation is important. This is a win-win for the region that provides an opportunity to help MPWSP be part of future water supply solutions for our customers and nearby communities.”

Due to historic water shortages caused by mandated reductions in the use of the Carmel River and made worse by historic drought conditions, a building moratorium has been in place on the Monterey Peninsula, resulting in job loss and limited housing for people in the region.

About California American Water: California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to more than 725,000 people. Information regarding California American Water’s service areas can be found on the company’s website www.californiaamwater.com.

About American Water: With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Media

Evan Jacobs

Director, External Affairs

707-495-6135

evan.jacbos@amwater.com

Source: California American Water

FAQ

What is the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project proposed by California American Water?

The Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project is a phased initiative aimed at increasing the area's reliable water supply through desalination, aquifer storage, and groundwater replenishment.

What are the key features of the phased plan for the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project?

The project includes the development of ocean slant wells for a 6.4 million gallon per day desalination facility, starting with an initial output of 4.8 million gallons.

How does the phased approach benefit the Monterey Peninsula community?

The phased approach allows for immediate drought-proof water supplies while accommodating future needs, supporting local housing and economic growth.

What are the environmental considerations in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project?

The project plans to use ocean slant wells, minimizing environmental impact by avoiding harm to marine life while providing needed water.

When did California American Water announce the phasing plan for the project?

California American Water announced the phased plan for the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project in early October 2023.

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