On a global scale, water has been called "the defining crisis" of the twenty-first century (Hoornbeek 2012). Fresh water is predicted to become a scarce resource around the world, especially in places with inadequate water sources or with aquifers that are impeded by a number of problems. Desalination is being deployed on an international scale as an effective and potentially inexpensive method for providing freshwater (Dore 2004). With new breakthroughs in technology, desalination plants can be made affordable and run on renewable energy. Currently, 11,000 desalination plants exist across the world and span over 120 countries demonstrating the growing interest in desalination technology (Dore 2004). This research examines the need for a desalination plant on Shelter Island, Long Island, New York (NY). To date, Shelter Island has faced water emergencies and has only relied on flawed solutions. The main objective of this project was to examine whether a desalination plant is the most reasonable solution on Shelter Island. Through resident surveys, stakeholder focus groups, a small-scale water quality study, a case study of Cape May, New Jersey, and integral communication with members of the town board, the feasibility and logistical challenges of a desalination plant are assessed and deemed a possible solution for Shelter Island.