Desalination Dilemma: Navigating Water Scarcity Amid Environmental Concerns

As concerns grow over the ecological implications of desalinating seawater, this method is increasingly being considered as a potential remedy during emergencies, warns Vassen Kauppaymuthoo. He alerted the possibility that the nation could face serious challenges until the end of the year due to a significant rainfall deficit, particularly as the rainy season draws to a close.

Forecasts suggested that, following April, precipitation levels may not suffice to replenish vital reservoirs and recharge crucial aquifers.

Such a scenario could have a direct impact on river levels, restricting the use of mobile water treatment mini-stations managed by the Central Water Authority (CWA).

These portable systems rely on pressurised container filters, which demand a steady water supply to operate effectively.

Conversely, containerised desalination units placed along the coast might prove to be a practical solution for ensuring a steady fresh water supply to coastal regions.

Kauppaymuthoo explained that this approach may also relieve some of the pressure on the waterways of the central plateau.

Although desalination is notably more expensive—ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 30 per cubic metre compared to Rs 12 to Rs 15 for traditional treatment methods—Kauppaymuthoo insists that it deserves urgent consideration to prevent a looming crisis.

Hydrologist Farook Mowlabucus concurred but emphasised that desalination should only be regarded as a last resort, primarily due to the high costs involved, given the need to pump water from the sea before distribution can begin.

Nonetheless, he acknowledged that with the worsening effects of climate change, this method might ultimately become a necessity.

Presently, about eight hotels in the western and northern parts of the island have started using small-capacity desalination units that produce between 300 and 500 cubic metres of fresh water daily.

However, Lormus Juggoo, director of the Water Resources Unit (WRU), stressed that large-scale implementation would necessitate thorough research into the technical, economic, and environmental repercussions, especially considering Mauritius’s unique context as an island and the vital importance of its tourism industry.

Source: Defi Media