The Phase 1 Pre-Feasibility Study concluded that there are at least three locations in the Bay Area where a regional desalination facility could be located at: East Contra Costa site; Near Bay Bridge site, Oakland; and Oceanside site, San Francisco.  A Phase 2 Pre-Feasibility Study was conducted to further analyze the three sites and to better define the desalination project facilities, conveyance options, and institutional issues.  A Feasibility Study, partially (50%) funded under the State Proposition 50 Chapter 6a program, was completed in June 2007 and developed additional information on potential benefits, appropriate technologies, environmental impacts, and costs of the various options.

A pilot test is currently underway at Contra Costa Water District’s Mallard Slough Pump Station site in the eastern part of Contra Costa County to collect data on technical feasibility (pretreatment options, membrane performance, design parameters) and the environmental impacts (brine disposal, marine life). The pilot test is also partially funded under the Proposition 50 Chapter 6a program.

Please see the attached fact sheet below for a complete update.