WSP05341

• File Number: 8278.100
• Description: Title I - Yuma Desalting Plant
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 12/23/1992
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Yuma Desalting Plant - Alternatives for the Interim Period
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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to be used for research. During the interim period, use of the water
conserved from lining the Coachella Canal, combined with irrigation
management improvements, would be sufficient to replace the additional
water released from storage to meet the delivery obligation to Mexico.

PROS

Recovery of Drainage

The 26,200 af per year of water recovered by operating the Desalting
Plant would be used to build credit that could be used in the future for
reject stream replacement. Given the near-term potential for river
reservoirs to fill, it is possible that the Basin States would concur
that the conserved water could be credited against future obligations of
the United States incurred after the interim period ends or be sold to
help offset operating costs.

Testing Of Plant Operation

Operation at one-third capacity allows the Desalting Plant to test out
the design of all individual components. Long-term operation of one
section of the Desalting Plant would confirm Desalting Plant operating
and design data which includes: production rates, production costs,
plant factor, membrane life, water quality relationships, waste
constituents, and quantity.

Incremental Costs

To operate at one-third capacity, annual costs of $13.5 million would be
required until 1996 when operating costs would increase to $16.5 million
per year to cover costs for purchasing additional membranes and
constructing sludge ponds. Operating costs for desalting and
conserving the drainage water would vary from about $516 per acre-foot
to $630 per acre-foot. However, keeping the Desalting Plant on standby
costs $10.6 million per year. Therefore, the 26,200 af per year of
supply would be recovered for an additional $2.9 million per year to
$5.9 million per year at an incremental cost of between $111 per acre-
foot and $225 per acre-foot.

Some Opposition From The Basin States

The United States would be operating the Desalting Plant and displaying
intent to honor commitments made to the Basin States.

Utilizes Investment In Membranes

The $18 million worth of membranes would be put to use.
Maintains Research And Technical Expertise

Reclamation skills of engineering, operations, and maintenance personnel
are maintained, which otherwise would be lost over time. The investment
in training and first-hand knowledge exceeds $1 million.

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