Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CWCO) issued a press release on October 21, 2026, providing an update on the permitting and construction schedule for its Kalaeloa seawater reverse osmosis desalination project on Oahu, Hawaii.
The company reported that it has received two key approvals: the Preservation Plan and Archaeological Monitoring Plan from the State Historic Preservation Division, and approval from the Hawaii Department of Health for a Substantial Modification to an Existing Regulated Public Water System. These approvals are required to advance applications for other permits.
Despite these milestones, several permits remain outstanding, including a Memorandum of Agreement from the State Historic Preservation Division. As a result, Consolidated Water has adjusted its timeline. The company now expects construction to begin in the first half of 2027, a shift from its previous expectation of late 2026. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has granted schedule extensions to reflect the delays in the permitting process.
In July 2026, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply issued a limited notice to proceed authorizing approximately $6 million for the procurement of long-lead equipment. This early procurement is intended to reduce potential scheduling pressure once the remaining permits are obtained.
The Kalaeloa facility is being developed under a contract to design, build, operate, and maintain a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant capable of producing 1.7 million gallons of potable water per day. Following commissioning, the company is contracted to operate and maintain the facility for 20 years, with two additional five-year extension options at the client’s discretion.
