North Sea water desalinated into drinking water in Nieuwpoort
As climate change increases the risk of dry summers, the prospect of the unlimited desalination of sea water into drinking water is a major asset. Especially if we consider that the demand for drinking water increases during the holidays due to the presence of tourists.
By definition, the sea is an infinite reservoir of water that we can probably never empty. That is why Flemish water companies Aquaduin, Farys and De Watergroep have launched a pilot project in Nieuwpoort to transform sea water into drinking water. Various technologies are being tested in the pilot plant that should make it possible to easily switch between fresh, brackish and salt water, depending on needs. By 2025, a new plant should be able to produce 4 million m³ of drinking water per year from one of these three types of water, or operate entirely using sea water. This corresponds to the annual consumption of the city of Ostend.
Flanders is the first region on the North Sea to produce drinking water from sea water. This is a very welcome first, as fresh water supplies are rather limited, especially in the coastal province of West Flanders. From 2025, it will be possible to supply 30,000 families per year, but the goal is to double capacity. Furthermore, additional facilities could even transport potable water inland if necessary.
So we probably won't have to suffer from thirst.