The Doheny Ocean Desalination Plant, set to be located in Dana Point, California, marks a significant step forward in addressing water scarcity in the South Orange County region. Designed to provide fresh drinking water for residences and businesses, the project has been awarded by the South Coast Water District to ACCIONA and J.R. Filanc Construction. Once complete, the facility will offer a sustainable, local water supply that is both drought-proof and capable of withstanding natural disasters.
The project includes the construction of up to five fully submerged slant wells, a mile-long raw water pipeline, and a treatment facility employing advanced reverse osmosis technology. The slant wells, situated below the ocean floor, will extract raw seawater without disturbing marine life. The treated water will be released back into the ocean via an existing ocean outfall pipe, mixed with treated water from a nearby wastewater treatment plant. This process aligns with regulatory and environmental standards for brine disposal.
ACCIONA, a global leader in saltwater reverse osmosis technology, will lead the operations and maintenance of the plant for approximately 15 years. Reverse osmosis, which emits 6.5 times less CO2 than conventional desalination methods, ensures high-quality water with minimal environmental impact. ACCIONA’s extensive experience in desalination includes notable projects such as the Port Stanvac desalination plant in Adelaide, Australia, and the Al Khobar 2 facility in Saudi Arabia.
In collaboration with the South Coast Water District, public agencies, and California State Parks, ACCIONA and Filanc will also work with Hazen on the project’s design. The team aims to incorporate a carbon-neutral energy supply strategy while developing the oceanwater slant wells and associated conveyance and treatment facilities.
The Doheny Ocean Desalination Project will not only provide a reliable water source for the region but also act as an emergency water supply in the event of disruptions caused by earthquakes or other natural disasters. "This project will create a new local water supply that is drought-proof," a spokesperson for the project noted.
By advancing desalination technology and prioritizing environmental sustainability, this initiative reinforces ACCIONA’s commitment to addressing global water challenges. The company’s portfolio of successful desalination projects spans multiple continents, including Tampa Bay in Florida, USA, Collahuasi in Tarapacá, Chile, and the Torrevieja desalination plant in Alicante, Spain.