Beritabali.com reports that the Public Regional Water Utility Tirta Mangutama in Badung Regency, Bali, is exploring a new solution to replenish and supplement critically needed fresh water supplies.
Under review and consideration is reverse osmosis technology transforming ocean salt water into potable fresh water.
The CEO of the Regional Water Works Tirta Mangutama, I Wayan Suyasa, explained that the plan to employ reverse osmosis is still under review to fully understand market demand and the cost of producing fresh water by using the process.
Because of the process’s heavy dependence on elaborate and expensive filtration machines, reverse osmosis water production is usually considered costly.
Suyasa said, “Reverse osmosis cannot be separated from the sea because the sea is sustainable regarding water availability. The challenge is facilitating prices that do not burden the community.”
The proposed plan to produce water using reverse osmosis aims to provide relief for the Kuta area of Bali, which is located over sandy soil and is an area of intensive development. Because of the spoil composition, the area experiences a high degree of subterranean saltwater intrusion.
He further explained that reverse osmosis uses water mined from distant offshore locations to achieve a pure water intake to start the process. “If drilling is done on land, even though it is near the sea, it is still groundwater. And this can worsen seawater intrusion,” he said..
Reverse osmosis water production is part of a long-term strategy to face environmental challenges and sustain regional growth.
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