Desalination Plant Approved in California

"The California Coastal Commission approved a plan to build the Western Hemisphere's largest desalination plant north of San Diego - a move aimed at relieving water shortages in the nation's most populated state."

"Wednesday's decision came after a daylong debate over the merits of the $300 million Carlsbad project, which is expected to eventually produce 10 percent of San Diego County's water supply from ocean water."

"Once complete, the plant will suck in 100 million gallons of sea water a day and produce enough drinking water for 300,000 people. The water will be filtered through reverse-osmosis to remove salt and impurities - with half the water being used by consumers and the rest returned to the ocean."