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Cost of Desalted Water and YDP Cost Reduction Program personnel expenses would be reduced only slightly by an extended period of standby. .' Reclamation began projecting YDP operating costs in the mid-1970's. Early cost estimates were based on a nominal 108-MGD plant, the minimum capacity originally considered necessary to meet objectives. For a 108-MGD plant, operation, maintenance, replacement, and energy costs were estimated to be $11,7 million at October 1975 prices. Using October 1975 prices and the same assumptions for membrane replacement and power costs, reducing the capacity ofthe YDP to 72.4 MGD would have reduced estimated OMR&E costs by $2,1 million, Ifrefined membrane replacement and power costs are considered, the estimated October 1975 OMR&E costs for a 72.4-MGD plant would have been $14.4 million, From October 1975 through October 1991, the OMR&E cost estimate increased by the addition of $2.7 million for construction of sludge disposal ponds (which previously had been considered capital costs), $0,5 million for other replacement costs (which pre- viously had been underestimated), $1.8 million for contractor operation of the YDP, as well as for updated costs for administrative and engineering support and research and development programs, and $13.4 million for inflation, Estimated energy costs decreased by $800,000, As a result of these factors, the OMR&E cost estimate at October 1992 prices is $32 million, YDP Cost Reduction Program The Yuma Projects Office, responsible for YDP operation and maintenance, is pursuing an aggressive OMR&E cost reduction program, Some of these projects, described in the following sections, will also help advance United States desalting technologies, All cost savings are based on full-capacity operation of the YDP (72.4-MGD production), Increased Membrane Life Techniques to reduce fouling and to in- crease the expected 3-year life of desalting membranes are being investigated. The accumulation of solids on the membranes and fouling by micro-organisms are two of the known m!\ior contributors to shortened membrane life, Determining how these contributors shorten membrane life and making appropriate adjustments will reduce costs, Extending membrane life by 1 year could save $1.5 million annually. Equipment Monitoring A program to monitor the performance and reliability ofYDP equipment and com- ponents will be implemented.. More reliable or cost-effective equipment, where needed, will be investigated.. New Technologies Some new desalting technologies may be applicable to the YDP, If implemented, they could improve efficiencies and reduce costs. For example, new water treatment facilities are being developed to meet high water- quality requirements for the electronics industry, steam generating, and food processing, as well as for agriculture. Agricultural requirements include removing specific contaminants such as excessive selenium, pesticides, and herbicides, New Pretreatment Processes Improved pretreatment processes with the potential to reduce costs for chemicals or equipment and membrane replacement are 23