U.K. – Veolia Water Technologies has been chosen to construct and supply a desalination plant for Cornwall in the UK. South West Water, the water and wastewater service provider, selected Veolia for this project, which aims to address water scarcity issues exacerbated by recent droughts in the region. The proposed desalination plant could produce up to 20,000 m3/d of water per day, meeting approximately 40% of Cornwall's current water demand. Veolia will manufacture and deliver the desalination plant, which will extract seawater from St Austell Bay and undergo treatment before reaching 300,000 residents in Cornwall. (WaterWorld)
INDIA – The third desalination plant at Nemmeli, East Coast Road, with a capacity of treating 150,000 m3/d, is nearing completion, and its inauguration is expected later this month after Pongal. The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is currently running the plant on a trial basis, treating around 100,000 m3/d. The project, valued at $13.9 million, is under review by K.N. Nehru, Minister for Municipal Administration, and is set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The plant's infrastructure, including pipelines, a clarified water tank, and a seawater intake sump, is nearly complete, and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has granted its 'consent to operate.' Upon completion, the desalination plant will provide water to approximately 900,000 residents in south Chennai and suburban areas. (The Hindu)
INDIA – A BJP legislator and Chief Minister's parliamentary secretary in Puducherry, A John Kumar, has protested against the ruling coalition's plan to launch a $6 million desalination plant. Kumar presented a memorandum to Chief Minister N Rangasamy, arguing that desalination is expensive and untenable for a region like Puducherry, which receives abundant rainfall. (ThePrint)
ISRAEL – Israel has announced the commencement of a SWRO desalination program in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, despite the ongoing India-Maldives diplomatic row over derogatory remarks. The Israeli embassy, emphasizing the scenic beauty of Lakshadweep, revealed its readiness to initiate the desalination project at the Indian government's request. (Business Standard)
Israel announced it is ready to build a desalination plant in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. Credit: X/India in Israel
SPAIN – Vélez-Málaga town hall in Costa del Sol has joined residents in opposing the proposed location for a new desalination plant at the mouth of the Río Vélez. The town hall supports a proposal by Magtel S.L. to build the plant near the existing sewage treatment facility instead. The rejection is based on concerns about the proximity of the Acciona S.A. proposal to a residential area and a secondary school in Torre del Mar. The town hall has informed the Junta de Andalucía about its preference for locating the desalination plant near the current sewage treatment plant, citing various technical and environmental factors. (SUR in English)
ST. VINCENT – In Bequia, several projects are set to commence or be completed in 2024, including a desalination plant project in Bequia which will commence with a $1.4 million allocation. However, the simultaneous start of a solar PV plant in Bequia will be delayed for design review, land use optimization, and community stakeholder consultation. (St. Vincent TIMES)
U.S.A. – San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is considering various measures to secure its water supply amid population growth and potential future droughts. The utility is looking to expand its water sources, including the exploration of desalination operations. SAWS plans to expand brackish water desalination operations, particularly in the Carrizo aquifer in southern Bexar County, and invest in conservation efforts to reduce water loss in its networks. The plan also involves expanding the Aquifer Storage and Recovery system and addressing non-revenue water. SAWS is exploring options to sell water to other municipalities and utilities, with interest from various entities. The utility plans to finalize the Water Management Plan in June after soliciting public comments. (San Antonio Express-News)
CHILE – Chilean water utilities are set to invest over $400 million in 2024 to address challenges posed by climate change and uncertainties surrounding desalination and water reuse. Sixty percent of this investment will focus on infrastructure for delivering potable water to the population. Desalination has emerged as a key solution, with plants supplying potable water to consumers in Antofagasta, Tocopilla and Copiapó, while the government will build plants in Coquimbo and Rancagua under the concessions model. But concerns have been raised about potential consumer rate increases. According to the water utilities the impact on rates is an evaluation factor for desalination and reuse projects, and that these decisions are being made alongside public authorities. (Bnamericas)
MOROCCO – Morocco is grappling with water stress, prompting emergency measures by the Ministry of Equipment and Water. Facing prolonged droughts, the country aims to address water scarcity through seawater desalination, accelerated dam construction and wastewater reuse. Morocco is deploying desalination plants in various regions, such as Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar, to alleviate water pressure and ensure a stable water supply. The commissioning of the Chtouka Ait Baha desalination plant has already reduced pressure on water resources in the Sus-Massa region. Despite these efforts, the country faces challenges, such as reduced dam levels and the need for collective action to overcome the water crisis. The hope is that expected snowfall and rainfall in certain provinces may contribute to easing Morocco's water stress. (Atalayar)