The Californian city of Santa Cruz and Soquel Creek Water District are holding a special joint study session on 7 May 2013 at the City Council Chambers to receive information on the scwd2 Regional Seawater Desalination Project draft environmental impact report (EIR) which is expected to be released in mid-May.

The seawater plant's capacity is likely to be 2.5 MGD (9,500 m³/d).

This primer will be comprised of presentations on:

Water Shortage Challenges facing the City and District - An update that addresses shortages during drought conditions, reduction to existing surface water withdrawals to protect fish and other threatened/endangered species, and protection of the groundwater basin from seawater intrusion.

The EIR and How to Participate - A general overview of how the document is laid out, the review period, and how the community can participate (environmental findings will not be discussed at this meeting).

What about the Vote? - An overview of how the EIR process, certification, and formation of a project are prerequisites to a formal vote on the construction of the desalination plant for City of Santa Cruz residents.