As competition for freshwater resources heightens across the globe, the prospect of using technology to turn unusable seawater into an unending resource is a tempting fix. While seawater desalination is one potential solution to the need for alternative sources of freshwater, more research is needed to understand the impacts of desalination on marine life. This report examines effects on the marine environment associated with the construction and long-term operation of seawater desalination plants.

This report is part of a series launched in 2012 identifying the key outstanding issues for desalination in the state: cost and financing; energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions; and marine impacts.

Tool: Existing Seawater Desalination Plants in California, December 2015 map

Tool: Proposed Seawater Desalination Plants in California, December 2015 map

Key Issues in Seawater Desalination in California: Costs and Financing

Key Issues in Seawater Desalination in California: Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Key Issues in Seawater Desalination in California: Proposed Seawater Desalination Facilities