Environmental and Economic Feasibility of Water Supply Alternatives in Hawaii and California: Desalination, Water Marketing and Conservation

by Linda M. Fernandez,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '91

Abstract:

Increasing urban demand for potable water in Honolulu, Hawaii and Santa Barbara, California, jeopardizes scarce supplies. The objective of this analysis is to compare the costs and benefits of two supply options for the two cities: water marketing of agricultural water versus desalination technology. While the calculations for Honolulu indicate sizeable net benefits from purchasing agricultural water, these benefits may not be realized due to existing water laws and management. Although California may legally allow for market transfers, desalination proves less expensive than the construction required to deliver agricultural water to Santa Barbara.

Subject Headings: Water supply | Water conservation | Water management | Water treatment | Water resources | Salt water | Desalination | United States | Hawaii | California | Honolulu

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