California is advancing Water Farm 1 (WF1), the state's first major subsea desalination project, aiming to bolster water security through a novel approach. Spearheaded by the water technology firm OceanWell, in collaboration with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) and six other California water agencies, this initiative seeks to convert Pacific Ocean water into potable water. This project is a significant step towards addressing the state's persistent drought conditions and dwindling water reserves, with a goal of producing up to 60 million gallons of fresh water daily by 2030.
The pilot phase of the WF1 project concluded in March 2025, marking a critical milestone. The ambitious target of 60 million gallons per day is slated to initially serve approximately 70,000 residents in the western region of Los Angeles County. Future plans include extending this supply to areas such as Burbank via an established water exchange network within the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).
Feasibility studies are currently in progress to ensure the seamless integration of WF1's output into existing water infrastructure. Concurrently, environmental and community groups are meticulously evaluating the pilot project's outcomes to guide the final design. OceanWell's innovative subsea system employs modular pods anchored to the ocean floor at depths of around 1,300 feet. At these depths, the immense natural hydrostatic pressure efficiently pushes seawater through advanced reverse osmosis filters. This process not only desalinates the water but also effectively removes microplastics, bacteria, viruses, and PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals.'
A key advantage of this submerged method is its substantially reduced energy consumption, estimated to be 40% lower than that of conventional land-based desalination plants. Furthermore, the subsea deployment eliminates the need for large, visible coastal facilities, thereby preserving natural landscapes and avoiding the environmental disruptions commonly associated with traditional desalination, such as concentrated brine discharge and harm to marine life from shallow intakes. Experts indicate that this approach offers a more harmonious integration with marine ecosystems, as the deep-sea environment supports less abundant sea life, and the discharged brine is less concentrated and dissipates more readily.
This advancement arrives at a crucial time for California, a state perpetually challenged by recurrent droughts, intensified by rising temperatures, reduced snowmelt, and declining volumes in vital water sources like the Colorado River. Robert Bergstrom, CEO of OceanWell, emphasizes that WF1 represents a responsible and economical pathway to harvest freshwater from the ocean, providing a much-needed new water source to supplement diminishing supplies. The project's phased development, including rigorous pilot testing and ongoing environmental assessments, underscores a commitment to sustainable and resilient water management. The involvement of multiple water agencies and the consideration of community priorities highlight a collaborative effort to build a more secure water future for the region.