In September 2021, the Orange County Register reported on a new financial analysis for a desalination project planned close to Doheny State Beach. With partners, a USD 126 million plant making 5 million gallons a day (about 18,900 m³/day) would add USD 2.38 to an average household's monthly bill. Going alone, the South Coast Water District would build a USD 71 million plant for 2 million gallons a day (about 7,600 m³/d), adding USD 7.20 a month. The plant was to draw seawater through intake pipes below the seabed.
The report showed that for smaller desalination projects, finding partners shaped both size and price, and that cost estimates became a tool for winning over neighbouring water districts.
Source: Orange County Register