Achilli Discusses Ducey's Water Desalination Proposal

Earlier this year, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey proposed a water desalination plant to help with Arizona's water future. However, many have noted the hefty price tag a such a facility, with estimates at $1 billion. 

CHEE assistant professor Andrea Achilli recently spoke with Arizona Public Media, saying the cost isn't just for the plant, but for the associated pipelines. 

“The challenge is transporting the water all the way north to Arizona and California," he explained.

Achilli notes building a pipeline would take up nearly half of the construction costs. Other experts say it would take more than a decade to get the plant operational and cost $60 million every year to run.