Ocean water desalination is a process that removes salts and other impurities from seawater. It is used in many areas of the world where fresh water is scarce and produces very safe, high-quality water suitable for drinking.
With recent technological advances, ocean water desalination represents a new, safe, and drought-proof water supply that will reduce the San Diego region's over-reliance on imported water from the Colorado River and Northern California. Several desalination facilities could ultimately serve San Diego County that will increase local water available to the region.
Future desalination facilities will likely use reverse osmosis technology, now regarded as the most efficient and cost-effective desalination process. Reverse osmosis uses high pressure pumps to force seawater through semi-permeable membranes. This process separates salts, minerals, and other impurities leaving only very high-quality fresh drinking water.
Click on the arrow below to watch a short video and learn more about ocean water desalination.
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