Can desalination plants solve the West’s water problem?

A critically important source of water for seven western states, the Colorado River is now running out of water. To fix the problem a public lands access group has proposed an ambitious plan to build eight massive desalination plants off the California coastline, turning ocean water into fresh water for farming, and reducing demand on the ailing Colorado River. The question is, will it work? USA TODAY National Reporter Trevor Hughes joins The Excerpt to break down the issues and what's at stake.

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Episode transcript available here. 

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