Understanding Seawater Reverse Osmosis

With so much of the earth’s surface covered in water, how is it even possible that so many people and businesses around the world do not have access to the water they need?  Of course, the answer is more simple than one may think. The vast majority of the water on the earth (over 95%) is found in oceans or seas. Therefore, only a very small percentage of water is freshwater.  Because of the high salt content, the majority of the available water is simply not useful in its natural form. 

The good news is that significant advancements in science and technology have been made that allow us to leverage the water of the oceans. Thus, Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) is a process that desalinates water containing a high concentration of salt. 

Because the increasing demand for fresh water is quickly decreasing the supply, this process is incredibly valuable.

Water from the ocean has a high salt content and also includes a host of chemical elements and dissolved solids including, but not limited to, potassium, limestone, and even sand. As a result, these components, in combination with the salt, make the water unfit for human consumption. Relying on it for hydration would be dangerous.

Easy Access to Oceans and Seas – Reverse Osmosis

Of course, this is incredibly unfortunate, as many of the areas of the world facing the largest water shortages have easy access to oceans and seas. Of course, by using reverse osmosis, the amount of salt in the water can be reduced to levels where it is safe to consume. 

That said, because of the high salt content and other contaminants, using reverse osmosis can be difficult. Thankfully, this is a challenge that has been met. Initially developed in the 1970s, seawater reverse osmosis systems have been used. While the process requires specialized systems and materials,  including high-pressure pumps, semi-permeable membranes, and pressure control valves, it is extremely cost-effective, efficient, and valuable. 

Use Natural Resources

Countries around the world, including Israel and many in Africa, use this system to provide clean drinking water to those who otherwise would not have access. Of course, advances like this help us all. As a result, we are able to use energy effectively and take advantage of the natural resources to which we have the most access.

We have a water shortage. Desalination is one of the best options we have to help provide clean and fresh water to those who need it.  You see, even though the earth is covered in water, the majority of it is located in oceans; because of the salt content it is simply not drinkable (or usable) in its natural form. Of course, we need to consider the advantages of seawater desalination systems.

Desalination is a process used to remove both salt and other materials (including minerals, and microorganisms) from water. Moreover, some of these may even be dangerous to your health.   

Providing Water Around the World – Advantages of Seawater Desalination

Not to mention, the advantages of seawater desalination are considerable.  First and foremost it helps to provide water to the many around the world who don’t have access to the clean and fresh drinkable water they need to survive.  Of course, staying hydrated (many doctors believe 8 ounces of water a day is ideal) is critical to maintaining your health. 

Helping the Agricultural Industry

Additionally, desalinated water can be used by those in the agricultural industry. Equally important, so much land goes unused (for planting) because there is no access to water for irrigation. Uniquely, desalinated water is perfect for this purpose. And, it can be used in times of severe weather.  Quite often, droughts can kill crops – there is simply not enough water to nourish them. Of course, desalinated water is the answer to these problems.  In short,  it provides water in cases of weather emergencies and literally transforms unusable land into a productive resource; providing jobs and additional value to individuals who need it most.

Finally, some of the most important attributes of seawater desalination systems are their impact on the environment.  First of all, they use ocean water, of which there is an unlimited supply.  They take a resource that is more than plentiful and turn it into one which is desperately needed.  Of course, providing drinkable and usable water where it is lacking, without depleting the earth’s freshwater supply, and while protecting many of the planet’s natural habitats, is incredibly valuable. 

Provides Major Value 

While many of us are just beginning to hear about this process and Seawater Desalination Systems, they are not new – in fact, they have been around for decades. Honestly,  many industries have been leveraging them for years. 

Also, the process of desalination has undergone continuous improvement and today provides a significant value to many across the country and around the world. We need to continue to discuss the advantages of seawater desalination systems and make them a common fixture.