AWWA ACE91036

This paper reports on studies investigating the feasibility of desalting San Francisco Bay water. Three phases of the project are discussed: feasibility study, pilot plant study, and preliminary design report. The feasibility study selected a site for the desalination plant and determined what processes to use, providing a preliminary idea of the capital and O&M costs for financial planning. The San Quentin Pipeyard was the most economical location and associated environmental impacts appear to be minimal. However, foundation conditions are very poor. The two-pass reverse osmosis process was recommended. The pilot plant study determined the pretreatment processes to be used, provided design basis for the full scale plant, and provided data on attainable water quality and data to facilitate permitting. The pilot plant study is described in some detail. Based on the pilot plant study, a preliminary design report was written. A description of the proposed project and revised capital and O&M cost estimates are given.