Author(s): Matthew Wood; Graham Siggers

Linked Author(s): Matthew Wood

Keywords: Desalination; Water quality; Pollution; Outfall

Abstract: Freshwater demand is set to outstrip supply in many parts of the world, with the effects of changing climate, evolving land use, and industrial development. Several countries already rely on seawater desalination as their key source of potable water. Desalination plants require a constant supply of clean seawater, and are therefore vulnerable to pollution from marine outfalls, coastal construction activities, and shipping. National-scale management plans are necessary to ensure that coastal developments and facilities are coordinated to prevent harmful effects on these vital plants, and to protect the environment. This involves management and integration of multiple stakeholders and governing bodies. The authors use multiscale hydrodynamic and pollutant dispersion modelling to provide advice to national water authorities, who are consultees in the permitting processes for new developments close to sensitive desalination plants. In this paper, key strategies of management and mitigation are presented.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/IAHR-39WC2521711920221498

Year: 2022