Orange County moves toward buying desalinated water
Faced with the ongoing drought, Orange County water officials have moved toward buying water from a proposed desalination plant.
The Los Angeles Times reported Sunday that the Orange County Water District aims to negotiate a 50-year contract to buy water from a plant proposed by Poseidon Water.
The proposed facility for Huntington Beach still needs a coastal development permit from state regulators.
The price of the desalinated water would be pegged to the price of imported water, plus a premium.
Supporters said it was worth paying more to have a reliable water source. Critics urged the district to compare the offer to other alternatives.