Californians may soon have access to fresh water sourced from the Pacific Ocean, thanks to a groundbreaking desalination technology being tested by OceanWell Co. The company is currently piloting a prototype of its underwater desalination pods at Las Virgenes Reservoir, with plans to deploy them offshore in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- OceanWell Co. is testing a new desalination technology using underwater pods.
- The pods will be anchored to the seafloor and designed to minimize environmental impact.
- If successful, the technology could provide a reliable water supply for drought-prone areas in California.
Overview Of The Technology
OceanWell’s innovative approach involves anchoring approximately two dozen 40-foot-long pods to the ocean floor, several miles offshore. These pods will draw in saltwater and pump purified fresh water back to shore through a pipeline. The company refers to this concept as a "water farm."
The pilot study, supported by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, aims to demonstrate the technology’s viability and efficiency. Water managers from various Southern California agencies are closely monitoring the project, hoping it can alleviate water shortages during droughts without the environmental drawbacks associated with traditional coastal desalination plants.
Environmental Benefits
One of the key advantages of OceanWell’s technology is its potential to protect marine life. Traditional desalination plants often harm aquatic ecosystems by sucking in and killing plankton and fish larvae. In contrast, the patented intake system of the pods is designed to return small sea creatures to the surrounding water unharmed.
Additionally, the brine waste produced by the pods is less concentrated, allowing it to dissipate more easily without harming the ecosystem. This innovative method could significantly reduce the environmental impact of desalination in California.
Pilot Testing Phase
During a recent demonstration at Las Virgenes Reservoir, engineers successfully lowered a 12-foot-long prototype underwater. The testing phase will help assess how effectively the system filters out plankton and other marine life. The next step involves conducting trials in the ocean, with plans to lower a pod from an anchored boat about five miles offshore later this year.
Future Prospects
If the technology proves to be scalable and cost-effective, it could provide Southern California with a reliable water supply, reducing dependence on diminishing imported water sources. The first water farm is expected to consist of 20 to 25 pods, capable of delivering around 60 million gallons of water per day, sufficient for approximately 250,000 households.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promising outlook, several challenges remain. OceanWell must secure additional permits from federal and state authorities and determine the energy requirements for the desalination process, which will significantly impact costs. Water managers are also evaluating the necessary infrastructure investments to transport the water from the shore to their systems.
Conclusion
As California faces increasing water scarcity due to climate change and prolonged droughts, OceanWell’s innovative desalination technology could reshape the state’s water future. With continued testing and development, this environmentally friendly approach may provide a sustainable solution to the region’s water challenges, ensuring a reliable supply for years to come.
Sources
- A new desalination technology is undergoing testing in California, Los Angeles Times.
