Is Desalination a Sustainable Solution to Water Scarcity?

The fact that the world is undergoing a water shortage is not news. Honestly, it makes sense. The population in our cities and urban areas continues to grow exponentially. Of course, this puts a considerable strain on the existing water supplies.  Of course, the quality and quantity of water are simply becoming inadequate. Desalination may be a solution. 

Water Scarcity 

Of course, this is a significant issue. Clean and fresh water is essential for survival. Many are searching for solutions to this problem. One which has been frequently raised is the process of desalination of salt water. However, many wonder if desalination is a sustainable solution to water scarcity.  Of course, there are desalination pros and cons. 

What is Desalination

In order to evaluate this idea, we must understand exactly what desalination is.  Quite simply, desalination is the process of removing salt from seawater. Of course, there are different types of desalination. At first glance, this seems like the perfect solution. After all, seawater is plentiful all around the world.

Desalination Pros & Cons

Of course, the response to this solution has been quite varied. While there are a number of positives, there are negatives as well. On the plus side, the process is considered safe. Integrating it into current water systems does not come with significant health risks. 

However, the process can be costly, thus it may not be the answer for those countries who struggle economically. The process also has some environmental issues including its reliance on fossil fuel energy. While alternatives (solar and wind power) are being developed, it is not widely available.  

Of course, it is necessary to dispose of both the brine produced by desalination and the hazardous contaminants produced by it. Incorrect use of this method results in the death of numerous marine species. Definitely shows problems with desalination wrongly implemented. 

Of course, the wrong retrieval of the seawater to be desalinated often kills local marine life – the fish, animals, and organisms simply get swept up during the water collection process.  Without a doubt, each of the above-mentioned issues individually would result in questioning the process’s appropriateness.   The combination of them all properly addressed makes less leery to desalination.  Is desalination good or bad? 

Of course, overcoming this issue is extremely difficult, and solutions will most certainly continue to be debated around the world for the foreseeable future. That said, one thing is imminently clear. A problem with regard to the water supply exists and finding answers grows more critical each day.