OceanWell’s Innovative Desalination Technology Could Transform California’s Water Supply
MENLO PARK, Calif. (KGO) — A groundbreaking technology currently in testing could address California’s critical water shortage. Traditional strategies, including extensive water storage and recycling, have been costly and challenging, especially in the face of climate change. Desalination, which involves extracting salt from seawater, has faced significant pushback from environmentalists, despite its potential.
Tim Quinn, Ph.D., a veteran water manager and co-founder of the startup OceanWell, aims to change that narrative. OceanWell’s new system is designed to minimize environmental impact while delivering substantial water volumes. "Every stage in developing this technology has considered the environment," stated Quinn, emphasizing the project’s commitment to sustainability.
The innovative system utilizes a network of underwater pods situated over 1,000 feet below the ocean surface. At this depth, natural water pressure assists in pushing salt water through specialized membranes, while leftover brine dissipates safely. Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Haswell highlighted the dual benefits of their design: capturing water from the aphotic zone, where marine life is scarce, and implementing safeguards to prevent trapping plankton.
Currently, a prototype of this system is being tested at a Southern California reservoir. OceanWell’s goal is to operate a full-scale water farm off the coast within three to five years, potentially generating millions of gallons of fresh water daily. “This technology is climate proof and drought proof,” Quinn noted, showcasing its long-term viability.
OceanWell believes that their scalable solution can adapt to California’s evolving climate challenges, ultimately revolutionizing the state’s water supply. As water scarcity becomes increasingly critical, innovations like OceanWell’s offer promising pathways toward sustainability and resilience.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
