SB 23-262: Water Desalination Study

• Requires the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to conduct a comprehensive literature review on water desalination feasibility in California and Mexico by July 1, 2025.

• Study must analyze construction costs, annual operating costs, seawater desalination capacity, potential Colorado River water savings for California, Arizona, and Mexico, renewable energy integration, environmental effects, and funding sources.

• CWCB must submit findings and recommendations to Colorado legislative water committees, the governor, and the federal Bureau of Reclamation.

• Appropriates $50,000 from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund for fiscal year 2023-24 to cover operating expenses for the study.

• Section is repealed effective July 1, 2025, after the report is completed and submitted.