RECAP OF DESALINATION AND REUSE AS PART OF THE WATER SUPPLY PORTFOLIO

By Dr. Marshall W. Davert Executive Vice President, Global Major Pursuits Director, Stantec

The ability of large utilities, agricultural entities, and industrial users to address their long-term water supply demands is an increasingly intractable problem around the world. Fully two-thirds of the world’s population experiences some level of water stress - defined as a period during which water withdrawals exceed renewable supplies - during at least a portion of every year. Increasing population, dwindling and unreliable surface water and groundwater supplies, aging infrastructure, limited ability to pay, social equity concerns, and green energy/ decarbonization pressures are all front-of-mind issues.

paradigm - known as “One Water” - places equal importance on all potential sources of water supply: rainfall, groundwater, surface waters, stormwater, desalinated water (both seawater and brackish water), and wastewater

In this environment, it is imperative that every aspect of the water cycle be considered. This from municipalities, agriculture, and industry. The emergence of modern technologies over the last 50 years (with considerable advancements over the last several decades) has significantly improved the safety, reliability, and cost of desalinated water and recycled wastewater. Consequently, many organizations are increasingly evaluating the viability (and often the necessity) of adding both to their water supply portfolios. the panel discussed their shared concerns of meeting the needs of their customers for safe, reliable, and sustainable water supplies.

The IDA convened a panel of global water executives who are navigating the political, technical, social, and financial challenges of integrating desalination and wastewater reuse into their water supply portfolios: ʞ Mr. Marty Adams , General Manager and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, USA ʞ Ms. Lijun Mo , Head of Future Water Solutions, Water Corp, Australia ʞ Mr. Richard Price , Group Chief Engineering Director, Pennon Group, UK ʞ Mr. Jaime Sanchez , Commercial Director, Europe, VEOLIA Water Technologies & Solutions, Europe

Moderated by IDA Board Member, Dr. Marshall W. Davert, Executive Vice President, Stantec,

A common theme was the impact of increased water demand combined with the decreased reliability of traditional sources of water supply (such as surface water and groundwater) as drivers for desalination and water reuse. They all mentioned that it was not so much a question of whether they should add desalinated and recycled water to their portfolios, but more of a question of whether they would be able to meet increased demand if they did not.

The group emphasized importance of accelerating adoption of innovative technologies that increase efficiency and performance across the entire water cycle (and to lower costs). However, they all noted the principal impediments to timely adoption had more to do with challenges presented by environmental and regulatory processes, as well as stakeholder outreach and community engagement.