United Water: Rockland Still Needs Desal Plant

United Water's plan for a Hudson River desalination plant saw a set of curious eyes—the state's—earlier this summer, when New York officials announced they would examine the need for the pricey and controversial project.

The plan, which would install infrastructure on the Haverstraw shoreline to convert river water into drinking water, was first proposed years ago to mitigate the possibility of Rockland's water demands surpassing supply in 2015.

But in July, the New York State Public Service Commission announced it would investigate whether the project is necessary.

United Water is saying "yes."

"United Water New York has filed a 53-page report with the New York State Public Service Commission that confirms Rockland County’s continuing need for a new long-term water supply project in 2016," Deb Rizzi, a spokeswoman with United Water, told Patch this week. 

"The analysis is based upon the most recent population projections, water demand forecasts, weather trends, water supply information and economic growth patterns," Rizzi added.     

Rizzi said the report was explicitly filed because of the July inquiries. 

Two public hearings on the desalination plant are slated for early September; precise dates have not been announced.