The Colorado River, a vital water source for seven western U.S. states, is facing severe depletion due to climate change and prolonged drought. To address this crisis, a public lands advocacy group has proposed building eight large desalination plants along the California coastline. These plants would convert ocean water into freshwater, potentially easing the demand on the Colorado River and supporting agricultural and residential water needs, particularly in California and Arizona. The estimated cost is $40 billion, requiring substantial energy, possibly from solar, wind, or nuclear power.