California American Water seeks grant for desalination project

California American Water has applied for a $1m state grant from the California Department of Water Resources to help fund the installation of a slant test well in Monterey.

The $3m slant test well is part of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP), which includes a desalination facility and additional aquifer storage capacity.

California American Water president Robert MacLean said that the funding would help reduce costs to customers.

"We have been tracking this opportunity for some time. I can’t imagine anyone has a better fit. If we are awarded this grant, it would fulfill the state’s objective and provide a direct benefit to the Monterey Peninsula community," MacLean added.

Combined with ongoing conservation efforts, the MPWSP will ensure a reliable, long-term water supply for the community.

The largest component of the project will be a 6.4 to 9.6 million gallon a day desalination plant that would draw seawater from slant wells that are buried in the sand and extend beneath the ocean floor. Depending on the size of the plant, the project is estimated to cost $277m or $320m in total.

The company expects to begin construction of the test well in November, while the larger project is expected to be complete in late 2018.