Is desalination the key to California’s water future?

Could the solution to California’s drought problem be lapping at its sandy shores?

According to NBC News, desalination could help alleviate the state’s water concerns but it will come at a cost.

A massive desalination plant — the largest in the Western Hemisphere upon completion — is currently being built in Carlsbad, Calif. It will cost $1 billion to generate 50 millions of freshwater gallon daily, enough for 7 percent of the water demand in North San Diego County.

The cost of facilities aren’t the only concern. The cost of water will likely go up 10 percent for the average consumer.

But as one official said, the increased costs sure beat the cost of running out of water.