Toxic brine from desalination plants

6816041887_230c74309b_bA new study has highlighted the problem of brine discharged from desalination plants.

More than half the brine comes from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for 22%. 3 countries – the Maldives, Malta and the Bahamas – meet all their water needs with desalination.

Not surprising when you see the islands from the air:

ISS026-E-5109

The number of desalination plants is growing rapidly as countries seek solutions to increasing demand, constrained supply, and ageing infrastructure.

In addition to the environmental issues, desalination is of course a relatively expensive source of supply so, whether it is deployed or not, it is always economically sensible to reduce network losses. Using i2O smart network solutions of course. Like the Bahamas does.