A new membrane filtration reverse osmosis (MFRO) facility will provide a high-quality, low-salinity water supply for agriculture in northern San Diego County, the California Water Resources Control Board announced.
The facility will produce up to 2 million gallons per day by combining its processed water with other recycled water from the city of Escondito. According to a water board release, the water will be pumped mostly to Escondido area avocado growers.
Representatives from the San Diego North Economic Development Council and Escondido Growers for Agricultural Preservation joined the water board in dedicating the facility Aug. 28.
The project aims to build water supply resilience against climate change and decrease use of imported water. The facility is the first of its kind to be applied to agriculture in California. Some $45 million of the projected $64 million cost was provided through the board’s division of financial assistance.
