California Commission Approved Doheny Beach Project Changes
State regulators have greenlit new design modifications for the planned Doheny State Beach desalination facility.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Utilities
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The California Coastal Commission approved the relocation of slant wells for the Doheny State Beach desalination project to the park's north day use area. The move addresses geologic findings that the original campground site could not reliably provide enough seawater for the plant.
Why it matters
The facility is vital for South Orange County, which currently imports 90 percent of its water, and aims to significantly reduce that regional dependence. The project timeline was extended into next year to help secure additional federal funding necessary for construction.
The desalination plant is designed to produce 5 million gallons of drinking water per day. Estimated annual operating costs are $11 million for the first year of operation.
The players
California Coastal Commission
This state agency is responsible for protecting and enhancing California's coastline through land-use and public access planning.
South Coast Water District
Located in Laguna Beach, this public agency provides water and sewer services to parts of South Orange County.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
This federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior manages water resources across the western United States.
The details
The project will utilize slant wells buried beneath the ocean floor to draw seawater while minimizing impacts on local marine life. Brine will be mixed with treated wastewater and discharged two miles offshore via an existing outfall pipe.
Timeline
The Coastal Commission first approved the project in 2022.
Project modifications were approved on October 7, 2026.
The State Lands Commission will weigh in on the changes on October 21, 2026.
Regional Water Quality Control Board decisions are expected in early 2027.
The desalination system is expected to begin operations by 2030.
Market Landscape
This project represents a shift toward localized water autonomy in a region long dependent on imported water sources. It reflects a broader industry trend of building resilient, small-scale desalination infrastructure to mitigate supply chain risks and environmental concerns.
Residents in South Orange County should expect construction-related impacts, including the closure of 225 parking spots at the beach. In the long term, the plant aims to provide a more reliable local water source to reduce reliance on imported supplies.
The takeaway
The Doheny State Beach project highlights the complexities of developing sustainable water infrastructure in environmentally sensitive coastal zones. Securing diverse funding streams remains the primary hurdle for completing these large-scale municipal projects on schedule.
What happens next
The State Lands Commission is scheduled to review the project modifications on October 21, 2026. A decision on a $63 million federal grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is expected in early 2027, followed by a decision from the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Further reading
For more on infrastructure developments, visit Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Orange County Register.
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