"We're running out of the low-hanging fruit on the trees," says Shawn Dewane, President of the Board of Directors, Orange County Water District, Chairman of CalDesal,. "The point in time will come when desal is less expensive than imported water or other supplies available now."

As part of his “Thirsty California” series marking the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Los Angeles Aquaduct, Larry Mantle of KPCC hosted a discussion about desalination in Southern California.

Shawn Dewane, President of the Board of Directors, Orange County Water District, Chairman of CalDesal, told Mantle that desalinated water will ultimately become less expensive than other sources and that thirsty Southern California is running out of other options.

Listen to the discussion here:

Larry Mantle’s Thirsty California

The California Coastal Commission on Nov. 13 will continue the last permit necessary for the Poseidon Water desalination plant in Huntington Beach. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. at City Hall.