Do you think desalination is needed in the region’s water supply portfolio? If so, at what point in time?

While desalination presents significant challenges in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact, it can be a viable solution in certain contexts, especially as technology improves. The decision to implement desalination should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering local water needs, energy availability, environmental factors, and alternative water management strategies.

Before considering desalination, we should find ways to neutralize the energy costs and prevent seawater intrusion into groundwater basins. Furthermore, any efforts to desalinate water, whether brackish or seawater, should be undertaken by a public agency subject to California's accountability standards and the type of transparency that results from voter oversight.