How a Carlsbad desalination plant could help Arizona and Nevada

In early June 2026, several water agencies and federal officials signed a memorandum to explore exchanging water across state lines. The parties include the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the San Diego County Water Authority, the Southern Nevada Water Authority and Arizona’s water agencies. They have agreed to study whether desalinated seawater or recycled wastewater can be used to help areas facing cuts from the Colorado River.

The Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant can produce more than 50 million gallons of drinking water per day and is capable of serving around 400,000 people in San Diego County. While desalinated water is costly, it gives a drought‑proof local supply. The memorandum is legally nonbinding and does not change existing water rights; it only creates a process to study pilot exchanges and possible federal support.

Officials have said further approvals and funding will be needed before any transfers begin. This work will take months.