South Coast Water District accelerates pre-procurement for Doheny desalination project

South Coast Water District accelerates pre-procurement for Doheny desalination projectThe district board approved a $570,000 contract amendment to advance design and procurement planning, aiming to shave three months off the project schedule and reduce construction costs by $3 million.

Filanc-Acciona Desal Partners Joint Venture will execute the $570,000 amendment to move Phase 2 pre-procurement and design into the current Phase 1 PDBOM contract.

No hardware will be purchased under the amendment; it solely covers specifications and procurement planning for long-lead items like well screens, pumps, and reverse osmosis racks.

The district is preparing to submit a $58 million grant application to the US Bureau of Reclamation to support the project.

A critical California Coastal Commission permitting hearing is anticipated in October 2026.

The South Coast Water District (SCWD) Board of Directors has approved a $570,000 contract amendment to accelerate pre-procurement and design activities for the 5 million gallon per day (MGD) Doheny Ocean Desalination Project. The amendment, awarded to the Filanc-Acciona Desal Partners Joint Venture on August 13, shifts a portion of Phase 2 design and pre-procurement planning into the current Phase 1 Progressive Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (PDBOM) contract. District staff indicated the move will position the project for an efficient start to Phase 2, reducing the overall construction schedule by approximately three months and lowering net construction costs by an estimated $3 million. Deputy General Manager Marc Serna clarified to the board that the amendment funds the development of specifications and procurement plans for priority items—such as well screens, well pumps, electrical gear, and reverse osmosis racks—but does not authorize the actual purchase of hardware. Material purchases will only begin once the Phase 2 contract is officially awarded, which the district is targeting for November 2026. "What we are intending to do is to bring some of these Phase 2 services up forward that were planned, that are necessary, primarily for procurement of equipment and materials that are needed for the microtunneling and the slant well construction work that needs to begin early next year in 2027," Serna said. To support the project's financing, SCWD is also finalizing a grant application to the US Bureau of Reclamation. Serna noted that the district plans to submit the application for an additional $58 million in federal grant support in the coming week. Parallel to procurement and financing, the district is advancing its final regulatory approvals. The board approved a separate $259,000 task order amendment with GHD, Inc. to provide continued permitting support through the end of Phase 1. A major permitting milestone is expected in October 2026, when the district anticipates a hearing with the California Coastal Commission. Additional approvals from the State Lands Commission and the Regional Water Quality Control Board are expected to follow shortly thereafter, aligning with the district's goal to issue a notice to proceed for Phase 2 construction in November.