Arizona and Nevada Seek Colorado River Water from San Diego in Exchange for Desalination Funding
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Arizona and Nevada are pursuing agreements with the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) to receive a portion of its Colorado River water allocation. In exchange, the two states would fund the quarterly operating costs of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, North America's largest seawater desalination facility. This arrangement could provide clean water access to 500,000 people in Nevada and Arizona during a drought.
Facts First
- Arizona and Nevada are pursuing agreements to take a portion of San Diego's Colorado River water share.
- The two states would fund quarterly operating costs of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant in exchange.
- The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the largest in North America, supplying 54 million gallons of drinking water daily.
- San Diego's past strategies reduced its reliance on imported water from 95% to 10%.
- The proposed water transfer could provide clean water access to 500,000 people in Nevada and Arizona during a drought.
What Happened
Arizona and Nevada are pursuing agreements with the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) to receive a portion of the SDCWA's share of the Colorado River. Under the proposed agreements, Arizona and Nevada would fund the quarterly operating costs of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant. The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the largest seawater desalination plant in North America and supplies 54 million gallons of drinking water daily for the city and county.
Why this Matters to You
If you live in Arizona or Nevada, this agreement could make your water supply more resilient by providing a new source of clean water for up to 500,000 people in those states during future droughts. For residents of San Diego County, the deal could help secure funding for a critical local water source, potentially stabilizing water costs. The arrangement shows how regions can collaborate to manage shared water resources, which may become a more common model as climate patterns shift.
What's Next
The proposed agreements will need to be finalized and approved by the relevant authorities. If successful, this model of interstate water sharing and infrastructure funding could be replicated in other drought-prone regions. The operational funding from Arizona and Nevada is likely to provide more predictable financial support for the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, which may help ensure its long-term reliability for San Diego.