Entire Bay Area should focus on desalination

I am worried about the future of the Bay Area's water supply amid increasing risk of drought. I think desalination is the answer. By establishing medium-sized desalination plants (whether stationary or on barges) throughout the Bay Area, we could keep reservoirs topped off if rain is not forthcoming.

Much of the Middle East survives on desalinated water, as do other parts of the planet. The technology and scientific uses are phenomenal. I urge everyone to go online and research what the benefits are of new methods being used. One exciting method used is the extraction of lithium from seawater.

Lithium is in high demand and can be used for batteries, sea salt and more. The ability to extract it is promising because the aqueous lithium (brine) recovery is more abundant, more environmentally friendly and cost effective. If this is not a perfect reason to support desalination, nothing is.

The Kastania Road pump on the outskirts of Petaluma is across the freeway from the Petaluma estuary/river and could be the perfect location for lithium extraction. In addition, we could run a water pipeline down from the Pacific Northwest. Instead of wasting money on more studies by the water districts, money could be used to build desal plants.

Our California reservoirs are well below normal levels, as are the snow levels. We're in dire need right now for water sources. Time, like our water, is running out. Let's not put desalination on the back shelf. — John Christopher Baseheart,

Novato