EcoWorldly

One of the major sticking points in Australian politics has often centered on the growing need for desalination plants across the country. Reports are widespread, both nationally and internationally, about the worsening drought conditions in the country. So there’s no surprise that we need to do something, but just what has long been a point of contention.

Nonetheless, there are a few desal plants cropping up, and the latest one, on Australia’s Gold Coast, is nearing completion.

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According to government officials, the $1.2 billion desalination plant is 90% completed, and will start delivering desalinated water this November to some 700,000 people. The operation is set to produce 125 megaliters a day, and will produce water so pure that minerals, salts and other elements will actually have to be added back in to bring it up to par with local dam water.

The desalination plant is long sought after, as the region suffers its worst drought in recorded history. Approved for construction two years ago, it is the first of its kind in the area.

Nearing completion, a large five-meter cage has been installed to protect fish and other marine life from the plant. Water will flow into the cage at lower speeds than existing tidal currents, minimizing the disruption on the surrounding life.

Back in 2007 a desalination plant was OK’d for South Australia, which will have a capacity of 50 gigaliters, and cost of something greater than the Gold Coast one. Despite a similar desal plant in Perth, Western Australia, only costing $332.3 million, the South Australian premiere noted that prices had gone up.

More on Desalination Plants at the GO Network

Europe Seeks to Harvest African Sun
London’s Drinking Water Shortages Spur Mayor to OK Desalination Plant
Low-Energy Water Desalination From Seawater Greenhouse

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