Building a Sustainable Water
Future for San Diego
Transforming Seawater Into Reliable, Clean Drinking Water
San Diego County depends on clean water, even in times of drought. The Carlsbad Desalination Plant was created to meet that need. By producing 50 million gallons of fresh drinking water every day, the plant adds stability to the region’s supply. This effort reduces reliance on imported water and strengthens long-term resilience.
The plant uses advanced reverse osmosis technology to safely transform Pacific Ocean seawater into clean, high-quality drinking water. A 10-mile pipeline connects the facility directly to the regional system. This innovation ensures San Diego will continue to thrive, even as demand grows and resources face increasing pressure.
Beyond technology, the project reflects a deep commitment to community and the environment. It created thousands of jobs, provides millions in tax revenue, and has preserved over 15 acres of coastal land for public access. For residents, this means not only safe water but also a lasting investment in local quality of life.
Our Mission:
At the heart of the Carlsbad Desalination Project is a simple mission: deliver clean, reliable water while protecting the environment and enriching the community. Every drop represents innovation, stewardship, and care for future generations.
A Legacy of Planning and Progress
The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the result of decades of planning, collaboration, and innovation. Here’s a look at key milestones:
1990s
Early discussions begin about desalination as a new, drought-resilient water source for San Diego County.
2003
Channelside partners with the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) to move the project forward.
2012
Final approvals are secured, and construction begins at the Encina Power Station site in Carlsbad.
2015
The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is completed and begins delivering water directly to the regional system.
Today
The plant produces 50 million gallons of clean drinking water every day, serving nearly 400,000 residents and strengthening the region’s water security.
Needs
Water Security Demand:
State, regional, and local water plans confirm that meeting immediate and long-term water needs requires significant investment in seawater desalination.
Regional Supply Contribution:
The Carlsbad Desalination Plant provides 56,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) of new water supply for the San Diego region — where nearly 85% of current supplies are imported.
California Water Plan (2009):
Identifies the need for 275,000 acre-feet (AF) of desalinated water statewide by 2025.
Metropolitan Water District Plan:
Calls for 150,000 AFY of seawater desalination (including 56,000 AFY from Carlsbad) by 2020.
San Diego County Water Authority Plan:
State, Confirms the need for 56,000 AFY of seawater desalination specifically from the Carlsbad project.
Benefits
Delivers Reliable, High-Quality Water:
Provides a consistent local source of clean drinking water, reducing dependence on imported supplies and improving regional water reliability and quality.
Supports Conservation & Sustainability:
Works hand in hand with local water conservation and recycling programs to promote long-term resource management.
Drought-Resilient & Climate-Smart:
Serves as San Diego County’s only water supply not dependent on rainfall or snowpack and is the first water infrastructure project in California to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
Strengthens the Community & Coastline:
Advances the goals of the California Coastal Act by preserving more than 15 acres of lagoon and oceanfront land for public use and restoring 125 acres of wetlands in South San Diego Bay.
Provides Extraordinary Public Value:
Recognized by the Carlsbad City Council as serving an extraordinary public purpose, the plant enhances water security while benefiting residents, businesses, and the environment.
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