Desalination

[cherokeeprogressive]

People are dying at an alarming rate due to the lack of access to di-hydrogen oxide. We've figured out how to desalinize salt water, but I've read that the energy required makes it economically infeasible. Well fuck that. How many souls are we trying to shed from the herd? It'd be economically feasible to anyone in the position of having less than the required amount of fresh, pure water not only to survive, but to prosper in good health.

I'm going to tie two things together here. One is necessary for life. The other is Kryptonite to lots of progressives. Desalination + Nuclear Energy. How large would a power plant be (nuclear) if all it had to do was supply energy to a desalination plant? Completely off the grid. I've read somewhere, I forget where, that the power plant for a nuclear powered submarine was about the size of a refrigerator. I'd be the first to say that desalination is MUCH more important than hiding nuclear missiles in boats that sink so as not to be detected.

I know people who use a gallon of water or more to brush their teeth (I use a coffe cup full). I read that in this country we use EIGHT BILLION GALLONS of fresh water daily. TO FLUSH OUR FUCKING TOILETS.

Would we as progressives bite the bullet (i.e. accept the LIMITED use of nuclear energy) to save lives and offer those less fortunate than ourselves a leg up by providing fresh water in amounts that could sustain healthy humans, and allow them to grow food in places that at the moment don't facilitate it due to the lack of fresh, pure water?

[Journeyman]

1. You think too big. . .

Think of the individual and a sustainable source for the one before you rush headlong to a nuclear solution for the masses.

If the individual's need can be met -- by a non-nuclear source -- it helps buy time for a rational solution to be sought for the wider problems.

Non-Nuclear Water Desalination






And the individual, sustainable source remains, to be used for a lifetime of clean water safely made.


Read more about it here: http://www.envirowarrior.com/non-nuclear-water-desalination-easy/

[KewlKat]

4. Here's one that is similar but floats on the water

Not sure that it would be practical on the ocean tho with the high waves.

http://www.greenhome.com/products/appliances/water_filters/106608/

[Turborama]

2. I am TOTALLY with you on the desalination thing, however...

Desalination plants by their nature will be by the sea, right?

How about using these instead...?

http://www.biopowersystems.com">



I'm not sure, at this stage, how the costs differ but if we could encourage truly sustainable water desalination, it's a win/win/win situation...

[KewlKat]

3. I was talking about this yesterday to coworkers

Thanks to those who linked the solar and ocean stuff. Very interesting stuff indeed. Water is the next oil.

[4lbs]

5. I'd rather have hundreds of desalination plants off the coasts of the U.S. instead of oil rigs.

What's the worst that happens in case of an "accidental leak" at a desalination plant? Water goes back into the ocean.