In a bold move to secure a climate-resilient water future, the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) has launched a first-of-its-kind pilot to test an innovative subsea water harvesting system at its Westlake Village reservoir. The pilot marks a major milestone in LVMWD’s commitment to developing sustainable, drought-resistant water supplies for Southern California.
The new system, developed in partnership with water technology firm OceanWell, uses deep-sea hydrostatic pressure at depths in excess of 400 metres to power reverse osmosis — to filter out salts, contaminants, and even PFAS to produce ultra-clean drinking water. This submerged technology cuts energy use by up to 40% compared with conventional desalination and avoids brine discharge.
“We're uncompromising in our pursuit to develop a new supply of drought-resilient water”, said David Pedersen, General Manager of LVMWD. “We're incredibly excited to challenge the conventional thinking that ocean desalination and environmental stewardship cannot go hand-in-hand.”
The reservoir pilot is designed to validate the system’s LifeSafe™ intake in bio-active freshwater — conditions even more challenging than those in the deep ocean. By proving the technology in a controlled environment first, LVMWD is helping pave the way for ocean-based deployments that could provide scalable, climate-resilient water for communities facing chronic shortages.
With approval from the California Coastal Commission, the next phase of testing will move offshore, putting the system to the test in its intended deep-sea environment.
This project is part of LVMWD’s broader effort to push the boundaries of water innovation and help California lead the way in addressing water scarcity. The district continues to work with regional and state partners to explore advanced solutions that ensure long-term water security while protecting the natural environment.
