Ocean Desalination Water Quality Integration Study

Prior to the introduction into a drinking water distribution system, desalinated water requires post-treatment that involves the addition of minerals back into the water to provide a water quality that is non-corrosive toward distribution system materials. Blends of desalinated ocean water, treated surface water and local groundwater were circulated through pipe loops to identify potential impacts to potable water distribution systems from the differing water qualities. The pipe loops were constucted to evaluate a range of materials typically found in potable water distribution systems and allowed for a direct comparison of different water qualities. Pipe loop testing involved post-treatment stabilization of desalinated ocean water to achieve water quality targets for alkalinity, pH, and calcium.