Graduate Abstract

McClain L. Peterson
December 2003

A Benefit-Cost Analysis of an Interstate Seawater Desalination Plant Shared Between California and Nevada

by

McClain L. Peterson

Bachelor of Science
University of Nevada, Reno
2000

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the

Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science

Department of Environmental Studies
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

Graduate College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
December 2003

Dr. Helen Neill, Examination Committee Chair
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

ABSTRACT

According to the Southern Nevada Water Authority (2002), increasing demands for water in southern Nevada will require the importation of additional water resources. The purpose of this thesis was to examine one possible imported resource: an interstate seawater desalination cooperative between entities in California and Nevada. This cooperative would provide a permanent transfer of Colorado River water from California to southern Nevada, in trade for a capital contribution toward California coastal seawater desalination. This study uses a benefit-cost approach as outlined in Dively and Zerbe (1994). Costs of both entities in Nevada and California were calculated and technical feasibility detailed. Results indicate that seawater desalination is more expensive than existing water sources. However, when compared with other alternative sources, seawater desalination appears competitive and may be a preferred alternative for southern Nevada.