Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Brackish Groundwater Desalination Project aims to leverage innovative technologies and best practices to desalinate brackish groundwater, with the overarching goal of enhancing our region's water resources in a sustainable manner. In the recently enacted state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 $2m dollars has been set aside for a demonstration project and up to $9m for a potential granting program[footnoteRef:1]. We seek to identify suitable desalination solutions including a demonstration project and potential granting program; assess their feasibility, and understand potential challenges and opportunities associated with large-scale implementation. [1: 1 Laws 2023, Chapter 133 (SB 1720) “Of the $11,000,000 allocated to the brackish groundwaterrecovery pilot program line item, $2,000,000 is allocated to the department of water resourcesfor a brackish groundwater desalination demonstration program and to develop a base ofknowledge to enhance groundwater recovery through desalination in this state’s activemanagement areas. The department shall locate this pilot program within the department’sactive management area section and a portion of the monies may be used for staffing.The department shall organize the program following the model of work undertaken by theTexas water development board to further the use and development of cost-effectivedesalination technologies. Of the $11,000,000 allocated to the brackish groundwater recoverypilot program line item, $9,000,000 is allocated for matching participants dollar-for-dollar forbrackish groundwater desalination projects within active management areas undertaken for thebenefit of those receiving water from the central Arizona project. The central Arizona projectshall receive three dollars for every dollar it contributes to this pilot program.”] The scope of this RFI is to gather valuable insights from industry experts and stakeholders, including organizations experienced in brackish groundwater desalination projects or similar water management initiatives. We also welcome feedback on collaborative opportunities and potential partnerships to ensure the success and long-term viability of the Brackish Groundwater Desalination Project.
