What Is Brackish Water and How Is It Treated?

Brackish Water treatment

Our Earth is covered in water, but only a mere 1% of it is freshwater. As our global population grows, the competition for this limited potable water resource becomes increasingly fierce. Brackish water reverse osmosis treatment emerges as a vital solution in the quest for sustainable alternatives.  

What is Brackish Water?

Brackish water is a mix of freshwater and seawater with a range of salinity. It occurs naturally and as a result of human activities. Its unique properties make it an interesting topic in water resources management and treatment. The salinity in brackish water makes it not suitable for consumption or agriculture without treatment but with proper brackish water treatment it can be a valuable resource.  

Where Does It Come From?  

The main source of brackish water is estuaries where rivers meet the big ocean. Here the mixing of freshwater and saltwater creates a transition zone with varying salinity levels. But brackish water is not limited to estuaries alone. It also sits beneath the Earth’s surface, hidden in fossil aquifers and wells. In these underground reservoirs, minerals from the surrounding geology, particularly sodium and chloride components from salt deposits, seep into the stored water over time and turn it into brackish water. Human activities such as freshwater prawn farming and the new salinity gradient energy (SGE) processes also produce brackish water as a by-product.  


Methods of Brackish Water Treatment

Treating brackish water requires advanced filtration systems to reduce its salinity and remove impurities. Some of the most effective methods include:  

Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis

Brackish water RO works by applying pressure to push the feedwater through a special membrane. The membrane is a selective barrier that allows only water molecules to pass through and blocks salts, contaminants, minerals and impurities. The result is ultrapure freshwater. Brackish water usually has a total dissolved solids (TDS) of 1,000 to 10,000 ppm and brackish water RO systems require over 200 psi to remove these dissolved solids.

Although reverse osmosis for brackish water requires more energy, it’s more energy efficient than seawater desalination. So it’s a viable way to turn salty water into a usable resource for many applications.  

Brackish Water Filtration

Brackish water filtration also uses ultrafiltration and nanofiltration. These methods reduce salinity and filter out particles making brackish water suitable for industrial, agricultural, and municipal use. Brackish water desalination through these methods gives you cleaner water and reduces the strain on scarce freshwater resources.  

Why Brackish Water Treatment?

Brackish water treatment is necessary to reduce the demand for freshwater resources. By using brackish water desalination, industries like agriculture, aquaculture, and even pharmaceuticals can meet their water needs sustainably. The applications of brackish water reverse osmosis are endless, turning unusable saline water into valuable resources. It also helps in environmental conservation, reducing the strain on freshwater ecosystems and preserving natural water sources.  

How to Treat Brackish Water in Different Settings

The process of how to treat brackish water depends on the application:

Industrial Brackish Water Systems: For industries like power plants or manufacturing, high-capacity brackish water filtration systems are critical for ensuring a steady supply of clean water.

Agricultural Brackish Water Treatment: Farmers use brackish water treatment systems to irrigate crops, reducing salinity levels to make the water safe for plant growth.

Municipal Brackish Water Systems: In regions facing freshwater scarcity, municipalities employ brackish water systems to provide drinkable water to communities, supporting sustainable development.  

Explore Products and Solutions with Advancees

Advanced Equipment and Services Inc. is a global provider of commercial and industrial brackish water reverse osmosis systems. With a range of pre-engineered and custom options designed to cater to various sizes and applications, our BWRO Series offers advanced technology and high-quality components for addressing the challenges posed by brackish water. To learn more, contact us today!

/by