remedy arial, ampoule sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;”>In an attempt to explore a full range of options for water policy for western Ventura County, Supervisor Bennett will host a public forum on December 1st that brings together some of the leaders in the field of ocean water desalination (desal) in California.  Speakers will discuss their existing and pending desal projects, the advantages, disadvantages, and economics of desal, and the prospects, opportunities, and challenges for ocean water desal. 

Supervisor Steve Bennett said “With Southern California heading into a forecast sixth year of drought and local lake and groundwater basins nearing historic low levels, interest in long-term planning concerning our water supply and demand has never been higher.  Desal is one option that I hope we all can have more complete information about as we move forward.”

Forum presenters will be Scott Maloni of Poseidon Water, developer of the Carlsbad and Huntington Beach desal plants, Susan Mulligan of the Calleguas Municipal Water District which is moving forward on potentially developing a regional desal plant in Ventura County, Joshua Haggmark, Water Resources Manager of the City of Santa Barbara, and Tom Luster from the California Coastal Commission.  The presenters will discuss their organization’s approach to and experiences with ocean water desalination in Southern California.

The public is invited to attend the forum at the Board of Supervisors chambers, 800 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura, December 1 at 6:00 PM.

December 1ST, 6:00 PM, County Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers