Californians may soon have access to fresh water sourced from the Pacific Ocean, thanks to a groundbreaking desalination technology being tested by OceanWell Co. This innovative approach aims to provide a sustainable water supply while minimizing environmental impacts associated with traditional desalination methods.
Key Takeaways
- OceanWell Co. is testing a new desalination technology using underwater pods.
- The pilot study is supported by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
- The technology aims to reduce environmental impacts compared to traditional desalination plants.
- If successful, it could provide a reliable water source for drought-prone areas in California.
Overview of the Technology
OceanWell's concept involves anchoring approximately two dozen 40-foot-long devices, referred to as pods, to the seafloor several miles offshore. These pods will intake saltwater and pump purified fresh water to shore through a pipeline. The company describes this initiative as a water "farm," with a prototype currently being tested at Las Virgenes Reservoir in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Environmental Benefits
The new technology is designed to address several environmental concerns associated with traditional coastal desalination plants:
- Reduced Toxic Brine: Unlike conventional methods that produce toxic brine harmful to marine life, OceanWell's pods release less concentrated brine that dissipates more safely into the ocean.
- Minimal Marine Life Impact: The patented intake system of the pods allows for the return of small sea creatures to their habitat, avoiding the harmful suction effects seen in coastal plants.
- Lower Energy Consumption: The pods will operate at depths of about 1,300 feet, where natural undersea pressure can help drive seawater through reverse-osmosis membranes, potentially reducing energy costs by up to 40%.
Pilot Study and Future Plans
The pilot study, which has received over $700,000 in grants from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, is being closely monitored by several Southern California water agencies. Key steps in the project include:
- Testing at Las Virgenes Reservoir: Engineers are evaluating the system's ability to filter plankton and other marine life.
- Ocean Trials: Planned trials will involve deploying a pod from an anchored boat into the ocean, approximately five miles offshore.
- Long-Term Goals: OceanWell aims to establish operational water farms by 2028, with the potential to deliver around 60 million gallons of water per day, enough to supply approximately 250,000 households.
Addressing Water Scarcity
As climate change exacerbates drought conditions in California, the need for innovative water solutions has become increasingly urgent. The state's water agencies are exploring various strategies to diversify water sources, including:
- Transforming wastewater into clean drinking water.
- Capturing more stormwater.
- Developing local water supplies that are resilient to drought.
Conclusion
If proven viable, OceanWell's desalination technology could significantly enhance California's water resilience, reducing reliance on diminishing imported water supplies. As the state grapples with ongoing drought challenges, this innovative approach may pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly water future.