No water means P.G. hotels take a number.

Water, water everywhere, but not enough to build a hotel in Pacific Grove, apparently. Even if developers navigate a choppy sea of public hearings, their projects may have to sit for years on the city’s water wait list.

It’s a conundrum that’s become a way of life for developers since the list was initiated in 2009, after orders from the State Water Resources Control Board led to constricted allotments of water to Monterey Peninsula communities.

In order to get on the list, developers have to go through the process of drawing up plans, going through hearings with various boards and successfully securing permits. All that secures is a place in line until water becomes available.

“It’s a big gamble,” says Mark Brodeur, the city’s community and economic development director.

It’s a gamble that developers are willing to take. Monterey County real estate mogul Nader Agha is boldly moving forward with a project in downtown Pacific Grove, Hotel Durell, despite the fact there is currently not enough water for the project.

Nevermind, Agha says: “The wait list is only one alternative.” If he can’t get enough credits he plans on creating them, by building into the project water recycling and a small desalination unit, using brackish water from the ground below. Developers of the proposed Project Bella hotel are betting on the same strategy of water-saving technologies.

Also in play: The city broke ground in December on a non-potable water recycling plant at Point Pinos for use on its municipal golf course and cemetery. City officials are hoping the plant will create enough water that it will gain water credits to allot to commercial projects, like the city’s only two remaining hotel sites.

That strategy is a gamble, or at least a wait, as well. Dave Stoldt, general manager of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, says that there will be no credits issued until the project demonstrates water savings. And even then, that water might be allocated to the Carmel River.