Arizona Pursues Desalination Projects with Mexico and California

Arizona is actively seeking solutions to combat its ongoing drought crisis. The state’s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) has proposed seven water supply initiatives, three of which focus on desalination. This strategic pivot highlights the urgency of Arizona’s efforts to secure its water future as traditional sources dwindle.

WIFA’s approach includes exploring water exchange agreements with neighboring California and Mexico instead of relying solely on long-distance saltwater pipelines. According to Jonathan Lines, WIFA Chairman, “There are more than 120 ‘desal’ plants worldwide, and so the technology is there. It’s proven technology.” This underscores a significant shift towards innovative methods of water management, including capturing water that would typically flow into the ocean and enhancing wastewater treatment processes.

Recent developments have accelerated these plans. A unanimous vote by WIFA has advanced Arizona toward the pre-development stages of four critical water augmentation projects. Tom Buschatzke, Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “This is a huge milestone for the state of Arizona. We have huge water challenges facing us. This is going to be a key tool.”

Despite this progress, the proposals are not expected to resolve Arizona’s water issues overnight. Challenges related to funding and interstate cooperation remain significant hurdles. The timeline for desalination projects indicates they may not become operational until 2031 at the earliest. As Chelsea McGuire, WIFA Director, aptly noted, “There’s no silver bullet… it’s silver buckshot.” This reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling water scarcity that combines various strategies rather than relying on a single solution.

Public engagement is being encouraged as Arizonans have the opportunity to share their views through a public comment portal. Formal negotiations with project proponents will proceed, marking an important step in these ambitious water initiatives. If successfully implemented, these projects could potentially deliver up to 500,000 acre-feet of water annually to Arizona’s supply.

While the exact financial implications of these projects are still to be determined, it is clear that a blend of private investment and taxpayer funding will be essential to support these efforts. The future of Arizona’s water security hangs in the balance as the state navigates these complex and vital initiatives.