Desalination
This section includes information about brackish water and seawater desalination and related topics.
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VIDEOS
Seawater Desalination
Menachem Elimelech of Yale University speaks on "Seawater Desalination" at the 2012 NWRI Clarke Prize Conference on "Research and Innovations in Urban Water Sustainability." The conference was held by NWRI in November 2012. Bruce Rittmann of Arizona State University provides an introduction. Watch the video on YouTube.
Download the presentation slides (3.1 MB PDF)
Desalination & Recycling: New Century, New Sources
In 1993, NWRI produced the "Water from Water" video series. "Desalinatino & Recycling: New Century, New Sources" is the first video program from the seires. The video points out that by using desalination to remove salts, minerals, and other contaminants, inland water supplies can be better used. Watch the video on YouTube.
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CLARKE PRIZE LECTURES
Energy Sustainability of the Water Infrastructure
By Bruce Logan, The Pennsylvania State University
Bruce Logan presented the 2009 Clarke Lecture on "Energy Sustainability of the Water Infrastructure."
Click here to download the 2009 Clarke Lecture.
The Global Challenge for Adequate and Safe Water
By Menachem Elimelech, Yale University
Menachem (Meny) Elimelech presented the 2005 Clarke Lecture on "The Global Challenge for Adequate and Safe Water."
Click here to download the 2005 Clarke Lecture.
Membrane Research: The Quest for Pure Water in a New Millennium
By Harry F. Ridgway, AquaMem Consultants
Harry Ridgeway presented the 2002 Clarke Lecture on "Membrane Research: The Quest for Pure Water in a New Millennium."
Click here to download the 2002 Clarke Lecture.
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PUBLICATIONS
Desalination Recovery Enhancement and Concentrate Management Study – Phase II
Final Project Report, November 2010
Prepared by Carollo Enginers on behalf of Eastern Municipal Water District
Published by Southern California Salinity Coalition (SCSC), SCSC is administered by NWRI
Click here to download the 154-page study.
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WORKSHOPS
Seawater Desalination: Opportunities and Challenges
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, 2003
Desalination is rapidly becoming a viable water-supply option and is considered by many as the “best available technology” for delivering a high-quality, reliable, and sustainable product. The real value of the product water is not necessarily associated with its price or cost, but what it does to enhance the environment, economy, and quality of life of the general population. Nevertheless, a host of challenges remain to be addressed if Southern California water utilities are to optimize desalination as a viable option as a water source.
This workshop report documents the results of the efforts of 31 participants attending a Nominal Group Technique workshop who provided their expertise to answer the question: What are the most critical issues that water utilities will face when planning and implementing seawater desalination projects to supplement drinking-water supplies? One of the many issues discussed was recognizing the value of drought-proofing water sources.
Click here to download the workshop report (8.43 MB PDF).