Antioch's New Desalination Plant Bolsters Water Security

After years of meticulous planning and construction, Antioch has inaugurated its state-of-the-art brackish water desalination plant, a significant stride toward ensuring a sustainable water future for the city.

This pioneering facility, the first of its kind in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta and only the second in the Bay Area, is designed to produce up to 6 million gallons of potable water daily. This output is expected to meet approximately 40% of Antioch's drinking water needs, substantially reducing the city's dependence on external water sources.

Utilizing advanced reverse osmosis technology, the plant efficiently removes salt from brackish water drawn from the San Joaquin River. This process not only provides a reliable local water source but also enhances the city's resilience against droughts and the escalating salinity levels in the river.

Mayor Ron Bernal lauded the project as "a transformational investment that not only provides a critical water supply to meet Antioch’s health and safety needs during severe drought but also improves drought supplies for our neighboring members of the Contra Costa Water District and protects Antioch’s water rights and Delta diversions for decades to come."

The $116 million project received substantial support from state resources, including a $10 million grant from the Department of Water Resources and a $60 million low-interest loan from the State Water Resources Control Board. These funds underscore the state's commitment to innovative solutions addressing water scarcity challenges.

As Antioch continues to grow, the desalination plant stands as a testament to the city's proactive approach to securing a sustainable and independent water supply for its residents.