Desalination
Perth Seawater Desalination Plant
Photo courtesy of the WA Water Corporation
Desalination is the process of removing salt from water so it becomes usable for other purposes, including drinking.
Desalination of sea water and other slightly salty water supplies could provide a reliable source of fresh water that is not dependant on rainfall. However desalination currently requires a significant amount of energy, with saltier water needing more energy to desalinate than brackish (slightly salty) water or wastewater.
More information about desalination:
- Desalinated water factsheet (National Water Commission)
- Desalination (Australian Water Association)
Government Programs
- The National Urban Water and Desalination Plan supports desalination, water recycling and stormwater harvesting projects in population centres of 50,000 people or more, to reduce our reliance on traditional rainfall and secure water supplies.
Projects
Publications
- Introduction to desalination technologies in Australia
- Economic and Technical Assessment of Desalination Technologies in Australia
- Emerging trends in desalination: A review (National Water Commission)
Related topics
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