PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ENCINITAS, CA 92024 PERMIT NO. 94
THE COAST NEWS
MAKING WAVES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
VOL. 26, NO. 46
STRANDED
Performers, staff and horses in the “Valitar” show are left in the lurch after the show’s producers abruptly cancel the remaining B1 perfomances.
By Bianca Kaplanek
NIGHTTIME BECOMES
ELECTRIC
ON THE RISE
A recent report shows sales tax receipts in Encinitas were higher than they were at the same time last year, which may indicate a good sign in consumer B6 confidence.
TWO SECTIONS, 48 PAGES
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NOV. 30, 2012
DM backs plant, but won’t buy the water
THISWEEK
INSIDE
.com
Cars drive through a tunnel at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ annual Holiday of Lights that features more than 400 light displays around the racetrack. The exhibit runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. See more photos on page B12. Photo by Daniel Knighton
Scientists gauge viability of water source By Jared Whitlock
CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA — San Diego imports mor e than 70 percent of its water. To help w ean the r egion off of its r eliance on outside water sources, scientists Monday directed a drill to plunge nearly 1,200 feet into the earth at the San Elijo Lagoon to determine the quality and quantity of w ater underground. Initial tests of the groundwater have been encouraging, showing considerably less salt than seawater. Because of this, the groundwater would be easier to treat, so it could cost less than
other popular alternatives like ocean desalination. As for the amount underground, the area could supply some of OMWD’s (Olivehain Municipal Water District) demand for “decades.” But a more accurate estimate won’t be known until more results come in over the weekend, according to Wesley Danskin, a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). “What we know is that there’s likely to be a large aquifer there,” Danskin said while standing near the drill that’s been just southeast of Manchester Avenue since
October. He noted that groundwater from San Diego sites could provide 10 percent of San Diego’s water demand in the future. “This isn’t a silver bullet, but another important straw to draw from,” Danskin said. Should the groundwater TURN TO GROUNDWATER ON A16
Scientists built a well in October at the San Elijo Lagoon in hopes of finding a local water source. Although the volume has yet to be determined, recent test results show the groundwater is significantly less salty than seawater, meaning it could be cost effective to treat. Photo by Jared Whitlock
DEL MAR — Although Del Mar w on’t purchase desalinated water from a proposed plant in Car lsbad — at least not anytime soon — City Council at its No v. 19 meeting voted to support a water purchase agreement between Poseidon Resources and the San Diego County Water Authority. In September, the water authority r eleased a proposed 30-year agreement to pur chase 48,000
It really just doesn’t work for Del Mar.” Eric Minicilli Public Works Director
acre-feet to 56,000 acre-feet of water annually from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant. According to the agreement, risk is transferred to Poseidon for the design, construction and oper ation of the f acility. It includes other protections for the water authority, such as monetary penalties if Poseidon doesn’t meet its supply obligations. Staff recommended not buying water from the plant TURN TO PLANT ON A16