The Marin Municipal Water District approved the construction of a $105 million desalination plant on the San Francisco Bay during an August 19 Board meeting.
Despite some vocal opposition to the plant during the meeting, the four member Board voted unanimously to proceed with the project. After three years of drought, local officials say the desalination plant is needed to address population and economic growth, and to provide a drought-resistant water supply.
Marin County currently uses seven local reservoirs to meet water supply needs. The new desalination facility would be funded through local bonds and a $3 to $5 increase in monthly water bills. The plant is still subject to a complicated permitting process is not expected to be up and running for at least five years.