Water-Related Impacts of Geothermal Energy Production in California's Imperial Valley

Abstract

To successfully developed the geothermal resources of the Imperial Valley, adequate supplies of cooling water must be obtained. The primary sources of water include waste waters from agricultural lands, condensate from flashed steam facilities, and irrigation water. In this paper we examine the major advantages and disadvantages of these supplies and then assess the consequences of adopting six sets of water policies to support three scenarios of geothermal energy production. The assessment includes analyses of potential constraints to development as a result of restrictive water policies. It also includes predictions of changes in the Salton Sea's elevation and salinity caused by the consumption of agricultural drain water for cooling.