… [A] public lands access group has proposed an eye-poppingly ambitious plan to build eight massive desalination plants off the California coastline, turning ocean water into fresh for farming, and reducing demand on the ailing Colorado River. To meet the energy demand, the plants might have to be powered with nuclear reactors. … The plan’s authors at the Idaho-based BlueRibbon Coalition say their $40 billion proposal offers a viable long-term solution at a time when President Donald Trump is slashing environment-based regulatory delays and encouraging the country to think big.

Other desalination and water recycling news:

• Westside Current (Los Angeles): Groups urge Metropolitan Water District to include $150 million for Pure Water project
• Times of San Diego: Water Authority forecasts sufficient supply through 2050, seeks outside sales
• AZ Family (Phoenix): Treated seawater could help Arizonans as state faces potentially deeper Colorado River water cuts
• Mother Jones: Middle East desalination plant attacks highlight risks of relying on “fossil fuel water”