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This filtered water is then pumped through Membrane technologies were developed in the
microfilters to provide further protection of the 1960s and 1970s and by the late 1980s, reverse
reverse osmosis membranes. The water is pushed osmosis desalination technology made up 40%
through these membranes under pressure, to of desalination plants worldwide. This has now
remove the salt from the seawater. increased to levels approaching 60% in 2006.
Under current technology, approximately 50% of Large improvements in membranes have caused
the feedwater taken from the source becomes the increased use of reverse osmosis, which have
product water. The remaining 50% is returned to led to greater efficiencies and reduced energy
the source, with concentrated salts. consumption. Such advances have also resulted
A post-treatment stage of the product water, in electrodialysis now being significantly more
involves adding alkalinity to the soft processed expensive than reverse osmosis for seawater
water. A similar treatment stage is used for desalination
soft dam waters as this prevents corrosion in By contrast, the distillation method uses high-
the distribution system. In keeping with other energy consumption to heat the water. This major
treatment methods, chlorine is also added for drawback means thermal plants now have higher
cleansing and maintenance of the distribution capital and operating costs than reverse osmosis
system. desalination technology.
History of desalination processes
More information
The thermal desalination process for water To provide feedback on this project or to source
distillation was the technology employed in the further information, please:
first major desalination plants in the 1950s which Visit: www.goldcoastwater.com.au/desalination
were predominantly in the Middle East region. Email: desalination@goldcoastwater.com.au