Desalination Needs and Appropriate technology
Abstract
This study investigates the desalination needs and available technologies in Sri Lanka. Lack of rainfall, pollution due to agricultural chemicals, presence of fluoride, increasing demand, exploitation of ground water and brackishness have created scarcity of fresh pure water specially in near costal and dry zones in Sri Lanka. Due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) around 500 people died in dry zones annually which is suspected to cause by Arsenic and Cadmium contain
in ground water due to agriculture chemicals. The available desalination methods are Reverse Osmosis (RO), Solar distillation and conventional methods. The cost for RO is Rs.0.10 cents per liter and solar distillation Rs.2.96 per liter. Although the price shows that the RO is better but due to high initial investment as a
third world country it is very difficult to afford huge initial investment without government intervention. The experimental solar desalination units only produce nearly 5liters of potable water per day and directly impacted by availability of solar radiation.
The energy availability of Sri Lanka and future potable water demand predicted as 2188.3 Mn liters as maximum demand which will be in 2030, therefore by that time the government should have a proper plan to cater the demand and desalination plants need to be planned and built based on the demand of dry zones and specially agriculture areas. The applicability of renewable energy for desalination in local arena was also simulated taking the Delft Reverse Osmosis plant for the simulation. Results show that the optimum design is combination of Solar PV and existing 100kW Diesel generator Set with Battery bank and
converter.
Desalination Needs and Appropriate technology
Abstract
This study investigates the desalination needs and available technologies in Sri Lanka. Lack of rainfall, pollution due to agricultural chemicals, presence of fluoride, increasing demand, exploitation of ground water and brackishness have created scarcity of fresh pure water specially in near costal and dry zones in Sri Lanka. Due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) around 500 people died in dry zones annually which is suspected to cause by Arsenic and Cadmium contain
in ground water due to agriculture chemicals. The available desalination methods are Reverse Osmosis (RO), Solar distillation and conventional methods. The cost for RO is Rs.0.10 cents per liter and solar distillation Rs.2.96 per liter. Although the price shows that the RO is better but due to high initial investment as a
third world country it is very difficult to afford huge initial investment without government intervention. The experimental solar desalination units only produce nearly 5liters of potable water per day and directly impacted by availability of solar radiation.
The energy availability of Sri Lanka and future potable water demand predicted as 2188.3 Mn liters as maximum demand which will be in 2030, therefore by that time the government should have a proper plan to cater the demand and desalination plants need to be planned and built based on the demand of dry zones and specially agriculture areas. The applicability of renewable energy for desalination in local arena was also simulated taking the Delft Reverse Osmosis plant for the simulation. Results show that the optimum design is combination of Solar PV and existing 100kW Diesel generator Set with Battery bank and
converter.
Desalination In Water Treatment And Sustainability
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this Bachelor’s thesis was to introduce different desalination technologies in solving water scarcity in countries where access to safe drinking water is limited, due to increasing population growth, industrial activities and agriculture. This thesis covers and explains different desalination technologies in dealing with water problems in different countries and the best suitable methods. The thesis was commissioned by HAMK University of Applied Sciences.
The thesis also focuses on the Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) member countries were access to water is limited due to scanty rainfall and dry lands. Desalination technology has played a significant role in solving their water scarcity in the region leading to sustainable development. A case study of Taweelah power and desalination plant in Abu Dhabi was explained providing detailed information. As a conclusion, it can be stated that desalination in water treatment and sustainability is a significant factor in the world today, because the future of water supply requires adequate sustainability to be able to effectively supply and support the world’s increasing population. For the Taweelah power and desalination plant project, a suitable re-design of the intakes and outfall layout should be adjusted. The outfall can be an offshore pipeline instead of its location onshore.
Desalination In Water Treatment And Sustainability
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this Bachelor’s thesis was to introduce different desalination technologies in solving water scarcity in countries where access to safe drinking water is limited, due to increasing population growth, industrial activities and agriculture. This thesis covers and explains different desalination technologies in dealing with water problems in different countries and the best suitable methods. The thesis was commissioned by HAMK University of Applied Sciences.
The thesis also focuses on the Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) member countries were access to water is limited due to scanty rainfall and dry lands. Desalination technology has played a significant role in solving their water scarcity in the region leading to sustainable development. A case study of Taweelah power and desalination plant in Abu Dhabi was explained providing detailed information. As a conclusion, it can be stated that desalination in water treatment and sustainability is a significant factor in the world today, because the future of water supply requires adequate sustainability to be able to effectively supply and support the world’s increasing population. For the Taweelah power and desalination plant project, a suitable re-design of the intakes and outfall layout should be adjusted. The outfall can be an offshore pipeline instead of its location onshore.
Desalination For Safe Water Supply
Preface:
Access to sufficient quantities of safe water for drinking and domestic uses and also for commercial and industrial applications is critical to health and well being, and the opportunity to achieve human and economic development. People in many areas of the world have historically suffered from inadequate access to safe water. Some must walk long distances just to obtain sufficient water to sustain life. As a result they have had to endure health consequences and have not had the opportunity to develop their resources and capabilities to achieve major improvements in their well being. With growth of world population the availability of the limited quantities of fresh water decreases. Desalination technologies were introduced about 50 years ago at and were able to expand access to water, but at high cost. Developments of new and improved technologies have now significantly broadened the opportunities to access major quantities of safe water in many parts of the world. Costs are still significant but there has been a reducing cost trend, and the option is much more widely available. When the alternative is no water or inadequate water greater cost may be endurable in many circumstances.
Desalination For Safe Water Supply
Preface:
Access to sufficient quantities of safe water for drinking and domestic uses and also for commercial and industrial applications is critical to health and well being, and the opportunity to achieve human and economic development. People in many areas of the world have historically suffered from inadequate access to safe water. Some must walk long distances just to obtain sufficient water to sustain life. As a result they have had to endure health consequences and have not had the opportunity to develop their resources and capabilities to achieve major improvements in their well being. With growth of world population the availability of the limited quantities of fresh water decreases. Desalination technologies were introduced about 50 years ago at and were able to expand access to water, but at high cost. Developments of new and improved technologies have now significantly broadened the opportunities to access major quantities of safe water in many parts of the world. Costs are still significant but there has been a reducing cost trend, and the option is much more widely available. When the alternative is no water or inadequate water greater cost may be endurable in many circumstances.
Desalination At A Glance
Introduction:
By desalination, we will be referring to the production of a useful product water from a feed
water that is too high in inorganic materials (salts) to be useful. The feed water may be
seawater, brackish water, or other “impaired” water that cannot be used directly for potable
or general industrial purposes. Notice that this definition includes the treatment of certain
wastewaters for subsequent reuse.
The principal technologies used in desalination are based on concepts that are fairly easy to
grasp by those with a modest amount of scientific training and/or technical experience. In
practice, however, choices of technology and plant design are usually determined by factors
that might appear minor to the inexperienced. Similarly, new technologies that show great
promise in the laboratory frequently fail for reasons that were earlier overlooked or dismissed
as trivial. Indeed, professional fascination with specific technical elegance has, in some
cases, led researchers to remain oblivious to inherent limitations of a process. Nonetheless,
attention to detail over the past five decades has resulted in dramatic reductions in capital
and operating costs as well as greatly increased plant reliability and performance
Desalination At A Glance
Introduction:
By desalination, we will be referring to the production of a useful product water from a feed
water that is too high in inorganic materials (salts) to be useful. The feed water may be
seawater, brackish water, or other “impaired” water that cannot be used directly for potable
or general industrial purposes. Notice that this definition includes the treatment of certain
wastewaters for subsequent reuse.
The principal technologies used in desalination are based on concepts that are fairly easy to
grasp by those with a modest amount of scientific training and/or technical experience. In
practice, however, choices of technology and plant design are usually determined by factors
that might appear minor to the inexperienced. Similarly, new technologies that show great
promise in the laboratory frequently fail for reasons that were earlier overlooked or dismissed
as trivial. Indeed, professional fascination with specific technical elegance has, in some
cases, led researchers to remain oblivious to inherent limitations of a process. Nonetheless,
attention to detail over the past five decades has resulted in dramatic reductions in capital
and operating costs as well as greatly increased plant reliability and performance
Desalination As An Alternative To Alleviate Water Scarcity And a Climate Change Adaptation Option In The MENA Region
This report has been prepared by Dr. Jauad El Kharraz at MEDRC with the support of Eng. Ayisha Al-Hinaai, Eng. Riadh Dridi, Ms. Elsa Andrews, Ms. Jackie Allison, and Eng. Georges Geha. This study was peer reviewed by three international experts. We would like to thank them for their reviewing work
Desalination As An Alternative To Alleviate Water Scarcity And a Climate Change Adaptation Option In The MENA Region
This report has been prepared by Dr. Jauad El Kharraz at MEDRC with the support of Eng. Ayisha Al-Hinaai, Eng. Riadh Dridi, Ms. Elsa Andrews, Ms. Jackie Allison, and Eng. Georges Geha. This study was peer reviewed by three international experts. We would like to thank them for their reviewing work
Desalination and Water Treatment
Abstract:
This study proposes a simple design method of the Reverse osmosis (RO) system in RO brackish water desalination plants. This method is based on the application of maximum available recovery without scaling of any of the compounds present in the water as silica, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, strontium sulfate, and calcium fluoride, and membrane manufacturer design guidelines, and the plant production. Although the method was originally
conceived for application to subterranean brackish waters in the Canary Islands, Spain (principally Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife), it can be extrapolated to other types of region and water treatable with RO systems. The required input data are the chemical composition of the feed water, pH, temperature, silt density index membrane manufacturer design guidelines, and the plant production. The programmed method then determines the design of the RO system. The method whose procedure is described graphically and analytically can be used as an aid in design optimization of RO brackish water desalination plants with acid-free pretreatment processes and only the use of scale inhibitor using spiral wound membranes. Practical applications are presented. The final results for different types of feed water and capacities are showed.
Desalination and Water Treatment
Abstract:
This study proposes a simple design method of the Reverse osmosis (RO) system in RO brackish water desalination plants. This method is based on the application of maximum available recovery without scaling of any of the compounds present in the water as silica, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, strontium sulfate, and calcium fluoride, and membrane manufacturer design guidelines, and the plant production. Although the method was originally
conceived for application to subterranean brackish waters in the Canary Islands, Spain (principally Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife), it can be extrapolated to other types of region and water treatable with RO systems. The required input data are the chemical composition of the feed water, pH, temperature, silt density index membrane manufacturer design guidelines, and the plant production. The programmed method then determines the design of the RO system. The method whose procedure is described graphically and analytically can be used as an aid in design optimization of RO brackish water desalination plants with acid-free pretreatment processes and only the use of scale inhibitor using spiral wound membranes. Practical applications are presented. The final results for different types of feed water and capacities are showed.
Desalination and Membrane Technologies: Federal Research and Adoption Issues
In the United States, desalination and membrane technologies are used to augment municipal water supply, produce high-quality industrial water supplies, and reclaim contaminated supplies (including from oil and gas development). Approximately 2,000 desalination facilities larger than
0.3 million gallons per day (MGD) operate in the United States; this represents more than 2% of U.S. municipal and industrial freshwater use. At issue for Congress is what should be the federal role in supporting desalination and membrane technology research and facilities. Desalination issues before the 114th Congress may include how to focus federal research, at what level to support desalination research and projects, and how to provide a regulatory context that protects the environment and public health without disadvantaging desalination’s adoption.
Desalination and Membrane Technologies: Federal Research and Adoption Issues
In the United States, desalination and membrane technologies are used to augment municipal water supply, produce high-quality industrial water supplies, and reclaim contaminated supplies (including from oil and gas development). Approximately 2,000 desalination facilities larger than
0.3 million gallons per day (MGD) operate in the United States; this represents more than 2% of U.S. municipal and industrial freshwater use. At issue for Congress is what should be the federal role in supporting desalination and membrane technology research and facilities. Desalination issues before the 114th Congress may include how to focus federal research, at what level to support desalination research and projects, and how to provide a regulatory context that protects the environment and public health without disadvantaging desalination’s adoption.
Desalination: A National Perspective
NOTICE:
The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the panel responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.
Support for this study was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under Grant No. 06CS811198. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations or agencies that provided
support for the project.
Desalination: A National Perspective
NOTICE:
The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the panel responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.
Support for this study was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under Grant No. 06CS811198. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations or agencies that provided
support for the project.
Desalination & Water Purification Technologies
Introduction:
The world’s water consumption rate is doubling every 20 years, outpacing by two times the rate of population growth. The availability of good quality water is on the decline and water demand is on the rise. Worldwide availability of fresh water for industrial needs and human consumption is limited.
Various industrial and developmental activities in recent times have resulted in increasing the pollution level and deteriorating the water quality. Water shortages and unreliable water quality are considered major obstacles to achieve sustainable development and improvement in the quality of life. The water
demand in the country is increasing fast due to progressive increase in the demand of water for irrigation, rapid industrialization, and population growth and improving life standards. The existing water resources are diminishing (i) due to unequal distribution of rain water and occasional drought, (ii) excessive exploitation of ground water sources and its insufficient recharge, (iii) deterioration of water quality due to the discharge of domestic and industrial effluents without adequate treatment. This is resulting into water stress/ scarcity. Country is currently passing through social and economic transition.
The proportion of the population which is urban has doubled over the last thirty years (and is now about 30%), agriculture now accounts for about 25% of GDP and the economy has been growing at around 7-9% a year. Country has a highly seasonal pattern of rainfall, with 50% of precipitation falling
in just 15 days and over 90% of river flows in just four months
Desalination & Water Purification Technologies
Introduction:
The world’s water consumption rate is doubling every 20 years, outpacing by two times the rate of population growth. The availability of good quality water is on the decline and water demand is on the rise. Worldwide availability of fresh water for industrial needs and human consumption is limited.
Various industrial and developmental activities in recent times have resulted in increasing the pollution level and deteriorating the water quality. Water shortages and unreliable water quality are considered major obstacles to achieve sustainable development and improvement in the quality of life. The water
demand in the country is increasing fast due to progressive increase in the demand of water for irrigation, rapid industrialization, and population growth and improving life standards. The existing water resources are diminishing (i) due to unequal distribution of rain water and occasional drought, (ii) excessive exploitation of ground water sources and its insufficient recharge, (iii) deterioration of water quality due to the discharge of domestic and industrial effluents without adequate treatment. This is resulting into water stress/ scarcity. Country is currently passing through social and economic transition.
The proportion of the population which is urban has doubled over the last thirty years (and is now about 30%), agriculture now accounts for about 25% of GDP and the economy has been growing at around 7-9% a year. Country has a highly seasonal pattern of rainfall, with 50% of precipitation falling
in just 15 days and over 90% of river flows in just four months
Database Of Permitting Practices For Seawater Desalination Concentrate
Abstract:
The purpose of this research project was to identify the discharge information that permitting agencies need and the decision-making process they go through to permit discharge methods in order to help desalination project proponents focus and expedite their permitting efforts.
The project documented seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) discharge regulatory issues and provided a critical overview of facility discharge-related information required for permitting desalination projects in the United States and selected countries with advanced environmental regulations and experience in implementing seawater desalination projects. Information was gathered from the three key U.S. states (California, Florida, Texas) where interest in SWRO desalination has been highest. Due to the more extensive international experience with SWRO desalination, information was also obtained from the countries of Australia, Israel, and Spain – all countries of significant recent large-scale SWRO desalination projects. Case studies of 11 SWRO plants and analysis of regulatory systems and permitting processes supported detailed definition of the decision-making process to set discharge permit limits, as well as defining environmental and other regulatory issues associated with concentrate regulation.
Database Of Permitting Practices For Seawater Desalination Concentrate
Abstract:
The purpose of this research project was to identify the discharge information that permitting agencies need and the decision-making process they go through to permit discharge methods in order to help desalination project proponents focus and expedite their permitting efforts.
The project documented seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) discharge regulatory issues and provided a critical overview of facility discharge-related information required for permitting desalination projects in the United States and selected countries with advanced environmental regulations and experience in implementing seawater desalination projects. Information was gathered from the three key U.S. states (California, Florida, Texas) where interest in SWRO desalination has been highest. Due to the more extensive international experience with SWRO desalination, information was also obtained from the countries of Australia, Israel, and Spain – all countries of significant recent large-scale SWRO desalination projects. Case studies of 11 SWRO plants and analysis of regulatory systems and permitting processes supported detailed definition of the decision-making process to set discharge permit limits, as well as defining environmental and other regulatory issues associated with concentrate regulation.
Concentrating Solar Power For Seawater Desalination
Introduction:
The general perception of “solar desalination” today comprises only small scale technologies for decentralized water supply in remote places, which may be quite important for the development of rural areas, but do not address the increasing water deficits of the quickly growing urban centers of demand. Conventional large scale desalination is perceived as expensive, energy consuming and limited to rich countries like those of the Arabian Gulf, especially in view of the quickly escalating cost of fossil fuels like oil, natural gas and coal. The environmental impacts of large scale desalination due to airborne emissions of pollutants from energy consumption and to the discharge of brine and chemical additives to the sea are increasingly considered as critical. For those reasons, most contemporary strategies against a “Global Water Crisis” consider seawater desalination only as a marginal element of supply. The focus of most recommendations lies on more efficient use of water, better accountability, re-use of waste water, enhanced distribution and advanced irrigation systems. To this adds the recommendation to reduce agriculture and rather import food from other places. On the other hand, most sources that do recommend seawater desalination as part of a solution to the water crisis usually propose nuclear fission and fusion as indispensable option.
Concentrating Solar Power For Seawater Desalination
Introduction:
The general perception of “solar desalination” today comprises only small scale technologies for decentralized water supply in remote places, which may be quite important for the development of rural areas, but do not address the increasing water deficits of the quickly growing urban centers of demand. Conventional large scale desalination is perceived as expensive, energy consuming and limited to rich countries like those of the Arabian Gulf, especially in view of the quickly escalating cost of fossil fuels like oil, natural gas and coal. The environmental impacts of large scale desalination due to airborne emissions of pollutants from energy consumption and to the discharge of brine and chemical additives to the sea are increasingly considered as critical. For those reasons, most contemporary strategies against a “Global Water Crisis” consider seawater desalination only as a marginal element of supply. The focus of most recommendations lies on more efficient use of water, better accountability, re-use of waste water, enhanced distribution and advanced irrigation systems. To this adds the recommendation to reduce agriculture and rather import food from other places. On the other hand, most sources that do recommend seawater desalination as part of a solution to the water crisis usually propose nuclear fission and fusion as indispensable option.
Cleaning Your RO
Eventually the day comes when your RO system will require cleaning. Cleaning is recommended when your RO shows evidence of fouling, just prior to a long term shutdown, or as a matter of scheduled routine maintenance. Fouling characteristics that signal you need to clean are a 10-15% decrease in normalized permeate flow, a 10-15% decrease in normalized permeate quality, or a 10-15% increase in normalized pressure drop as measured between the feed and concentrate headers
Cleaning Your RO
Eventually the day comes when your RO system will require cleaning. Cleaning is recommended when your RO shows evidence of fouling, just prior to a long term shutdown, or as a matter of scheduled routine maintenance. Fouling characteristics that signal you need to clean are a 10-15% decrease in normalized permeate flow, a 10-15% decrease in normalized permeate quality, or a 10-15% increase in normalized pressure drop as measured between the feed and concentrate headers
Cleaning Procedures for Composite Polyamide RO Membrane Elements
Note: The Composite Polyamide type of RO membrane elements may not be
exposed to chlorinated water under any circumstances. Any such exposure may
cause irreparable damage to the membrane. Absolute care must be taken
following any disinfection of piping or equipment or the preparation of cleaning or
storage solutions to ensure that no trace of chlorine is present in the feedwater to
the RO membrane elements. If there is any doubt about the presence of chlorine,
perform chemical testing. Neutralize any chlorine residual with a sodium bisulfite
solution, and ensure adequate mixing and contact time to accomplish complete
dechlorination. Dosing rate is 1.8 to 3.0 ppm sodium bisulfite per 1.0 ppm of free
chlorine
Cleaning Procedures for Composite Polyamide RO Membrane Elements
Note: The Composite Polyamide type of RO membrane elements may not be
exposed to chlorinated water under any circumstances. Any such exposure may
cause irreparable damage to the membrane. Absolute care must be taken
following any disinfection of piping or equipment or the preparation of cleaning or
storage solutions to ensure that no trace of chlorine is present in the feedwater to
the RO membrane elements. If there is any doubt about the presence of chlorine,
perform chemical testing. Neutralize any chlorine residual with a sodium bisulfite
solution, and ensure adequate mixing and contact time to accomplish complete
dechlorination. Dosing rate is 1.8 to 3.0 ppm sodium bisulfite per 1.0 ppm of free
chlorine
Chemical Cleaning Effects On Properties And Separation Efciency Of An RO Membrane
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impacts of chemical cleaning on the performance of a reverse osmosis
membrane. Chemicals used for simulating membrane cleaning include a surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), a
chelating agent (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA), and two proprietary cleaning formulations namely MC3
and MC11. The impact of sequential exposure to multiple membrane cleaning solutions was also examined. Water
permeability and the rejection of boron and sodium were investigated under various water fluxes, temperatures and
feedwater pH. Changes in the membrane performance were systematically explained based on the changes in the
charge density, hydrophobicity and chemical structure of the membrane surface. The experimental results show that
membrane cleaning can significantly alter the hydrophobicity and water permeability of the membrane; however, its
impacts on the rejections of boron and sodium are marginal. Although the presence of surfactant or chelating agent
may cause decreases in the rejection, solution pH is the key factor responsible for the loss of membrane separation
and changes in the surface properties. The impact of solution pH on the water permeability can be reversed by
applying a subsequent cleaning with the opposite pH condition. Nevertheless, the impacts of solution pH on boron
and sodium rejections are irreversible in most cases
Chemical Cleaning Effects On Properties And Separation Efciency Of An RO Membrane
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impacts of chemical cleaning on the performance of a reverse osmosis
membrane. Chemicals used for simulating membrane cleaning include a surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), a
chelating agent (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA), and two proprietary cleaning formulations namely MC3
and MC11. The impact of sequential exposure to multiple membrane cleaning solutions was also examined. Water
permeability and the rejection of boron and sodium were investigated under various water fluxes, temperatures and
feedwater pH. Changes in the membrane performance were systematically explained based on the changes in the
charge density, hydrophobicity and chemical structure of the membrane surface. The experimental results show that
membrane cleaning can significantly alter the hydrophobicity and water permeability of the membrane; however, its
impacts on the rejections of boron and sodium are marginal. Although the presence of surfactant or chelating agent
may cause decreases in the rejection, solution pH is the key factor responsible for the loss of membrane separation
and changes in the surface properties. The impact of solution pH on the water permeability can be reversed by
applying a subsequent cleaning with the opposite pH condition. Nevertheless, the impacts of solution pH on boron
and sodium rejections are irreversible in most cases
California Desalination Planning Handbook
Introduction:
Desalination is receiving increased attention as a means for addressing the water supply challenges of California. Growing population, much of which is located in semi-arid regions of the state, and various other water demands pose increased pressure on existing water supplies. Much of California’s water supply depends on snow accumulation in the winter, providing spring runoff that flls reservoirs and replenishes often depleted groundwater supplies. But in periods of drought, water supply shortages can be encountered throughout the state, particularly in the central valley and southern portion of the state. All indications suggest the impacts of global warming will include a change in the timing of runoff and less snowfall. This will put more pressure on existing supplies, and exacerbate the impacts of drought. As the implications of global warming become clearer, more emphasis will likely be given to developing
new sources of water supply to meet existing and projected demand. While conservation and recycling are recommended as the frst course of action, other alternatives (such as desalination and increased surface and groundwater storage) are receiving increased attention.
California Desalination Planning Handbook
Introduction:
Desalination is receiving increased attention as a means for addressing the water supply challenges of California. Growing population, much of which is located in semi-arid regions of the state, and various other water demands pose increased pressure on existing water supplies. Much of California’s water supply depends on snow accumulation in the winter, providing spring runoff that flls reservoirs and replenishes often depleted groundwater supplies. But in periods of drought, water supply shortages can be encountered throughout the state, particularly in the central valley and southern portion of the state. All indications suggest the impacts of global warming will include a change in the timing of runoff and less snowfall. This will put more pressure on existing supplies, and exacerbate the impacts of drought. As the implications of global warming become clearer, more emphasis will likely be given to developing
new sources of water supply to meet existing and projected demand. While conservation and recycling are recommended as the frst course of action, other alternatives (such as desalination and increased surface and groundwater storage) are receiving increased attention.