Huntington Beach Desalination Project
As likely seen in various press releases and news articles, the California Coastal Commission voted to deny approval of the Huntington Beach Desalination Project at its hearing earlier this month. Despite the strong support of more than 100 individuals and groups who spoke in favor of the project in-person or via Zoom during the hearing, the Coastal Commission’s denial of the permit creates tremendous uncertainty about policymakers’ ability and willingness to take action to secure California’s water resilience future.

Poseidon Water – the project’s sponsors – shared this public statement following the Coastal Commission’s action:

“This was not the decision we were hoping for today. We thank Gov. Gavin Newsom for his support of this project, correctly pointing out that desalination is an important tool in the toolkit. We believe in the Governor’s vision and his Water Resilience Portfolio, which identified the goal of maintaining and diversifying water supplies. 
 
California continues to face a punishing drought, with no end in sight. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California recently called for the strictest-ever water cuts in the region. Lake Mead and Lake Powell are expected to continue receding in the coming months, potentially triggering water cuts in Arizona, Nevada and Mexico — and ultimately California. Every day, we see new calls for conservation as reservoir levels drop to dangerous lows. We firmly believe that this desalination project would have created a sustainable, drought-tolerant source of water for Orange County, just as it has for San Diego County.
 
We are grateful for all of the supporters who contacted the California Coastal Commission to voice their strong support for this project,”
 
- Jessica Jones, Director of Communications
Poseidon Water
CalDesal Spring Mixer!
The CalDesal Mixer was a HUGE success during the ACWA Spring Conference in Sacramento earlier this month! We were thrilled to host hundreds of guests joining our reception to network with colleagues, make new connections, and reconnect with friends. We couldn’t host such a wonderful event without the generous support of our CalDesal Spring Mixer sponsors:
We look forward to seeing everyone at our Fall Mixer event during the ACWA Fall Conference in Indian Wells later this year! See you there!
Calling All Volunteers!
The CalDesal organization is looking for volunteers for a range of leadership opportunities within the association. In February, the CalDesal Executive Committee approved the creation of a new Event Planning Committee that will be focusing on some of the great event opportunities that we anticipate over the next year, including the Spring and Fall Mixer events, the 2023 Annual Conference, and other events, seminars, and sessions that may emerge during the year.

We are looking for Committee members to participate in this newly-established Event Planning Committee. We encourage you to consider this opportunity to really help the association in a meaningful way and shape the organization into the future.

If you are interested, please contact Glenn Farrel at glennf@caldesal.org or at (916) 216-1747. 
New Member Welcome!
CalDesal is pleased to welcome a new Associate Member to the CalDesal family – Longitude 123, Inc.! Our association grows in strength, relevance, and influence as we continue to expand our membership doors and bring new perspectives, experiences, and viewpoints into our organization. Please welcome Longitude 123, Inc. when you have an opportunity!