Require water district to investigate new sources

A desalination plant in Marin would provide a positive future path for our water districts to explore more vigorously and rigorously.

Each district should be mandated to devote a certain portion of its current annual budget to investments in new technologies that could provide dependable sources of water for our region 20 years from now. Each district should have a committed “pension plan” or reserve budget for newer technology that is focused on our future water needs and supply for at least the next 10 years.

Like all new technology, large-scale desalination plants started out with inefficiencies and limitations. Some new technologies initially seem ridiculous and unnecessary (“flying machines,” for example). But, when new ideas serve a need, like the “horseless carriage” did, their limitations are gradually solved. When that happens, uses are expanded and the high cost of first-generation versions come down.

From my perspective, Marin water districts are using what appears to be 100% of their budgets on short-term fixes. They give only lip service to the development of newer processes. As long as they continue that way, we are stuck in the past. The Marin Municipal Water District deserves a C- grade in the kind of long-term thinking that takes into account the impact of likely droughts and warmer climate in the next 50 years.

Yes, investments in future possibilities must be thoughtful, prudent and environmentally respectful. But such investments should not be so timid and discretionary that ideas like desalination are not explored seriously. I think there should be a mandatory budget allocation to new water processes. With a mandate, I believe some of this timidity might be overcome.

Marin needs better, bolder water planning for the future.

— Julie Allecta, Larkspur