CARLSBAD, Calif. (KGTV) -- The desalination plant in Carlsbad is celebrating the production of 40-billion gallons of water since it opened three years ago.
That's enough water to fill the Empire State Building 145 times. Or a billion bath tubs.
The "watermark" being celebrated Thursday with a gathering of officials, including former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall and Poseidon CEO Carlos Riva. All sharing a toast with a glass of fresh water produced by the plant.
Water so clean once it passes through the reverse osmosis system, say plant officials, they have to add mineral back into it.
"The water molecule makes it through," says Poseidon Community Outreach Director Jessica Jones. "But the salt molecule -or any other impurities, viruses or bacteria- are too large. And so, they're rejected."
10News asked Jones about environmental impacts over these past three years - such as the salt concentrations in local ocean waters from discharge from the plant.
10News asked Jones about environmental impacts over these past three years - such as the salt concentrations in local ocean waters from discharge from the plant.
She said Poseidon does test for such changes but has found no measurable impacts on local salt levels or the environment. She says that is due to the way the plant dilutes and disperses its discharge water.
Poseidon now has another plant up for approval in Huntington Beach which could begin construction as soon as next year.
The plant produces 50-million gallons of fresh water a day. With twice as much extra salty water discharge as a result.
