Unraveling the Myths: Can We Run Out of Fresh Water Given the Oceans? Debunking the Desalination Fantasy

It's commonly believed that Earth is a water-rich planet, yet concerns about fresh water scarcity are on the rise. How is this possible if we have 99.9% of water as fresh from these oceans? Can we simply rely on desalination plants to solve all our water needs?

The Reality of Earth's Water Composition

First, let's understand the composition of Earth's water. Most water sources on our planet are indeed composed of 99.9% pure H2O. This misconception arises from the assumption that all water is pure. However, the reality is that only a fraction of Earth's water is suitable for direct human consumption. To understand this better, let's break down the costs and processes involved in manufacturing or desalinating water.

Acre Foot of Water:

An acre foot of water is a standard unit used to measure large volumes of water. One acre foot of water contains 323,000 gallons and weighs 2.7 million pounds. Each gallon of water contains 11.1 hydrogen atoms, meaning an acre foot would contain 300,000 pounds of hydrogen.

Cost Factors: Hydrogen Component:

The hydrogen in mass quantities sells for about $1 per pound. Therefore, the hydrogen component for an acre foot of water would cost approximately $300,000.

Oxygen Component:

Approximately 2.4 million pounds of 99.9% pure oxygen are needed. The cost for this would be about $2.4 million, plus additional costs for storage facilities and operational expenses.

Total Cost:

Factoring in overhead, profit, and the necessary infrastructure, the estimated cost for an acre foot of water would be around $3-4 million. This could be sold for around $10 million to cover the initial investment.

The Cost of Desalination

The current cost to the consumer for an acre foot of water in the US is approximately $1,500. Sea water desalination, while a viable solution, remains extremely expensive, running under $2,000 per acre foot. To provide reliable access to fresh water in a large-scale scenario, such as keeping California hydrated, substantial investments in nuclear power plants and desalination facilities would be required. Once these investments are made, the ongoing cost per gallon could be around $5, but consumers would have to pay off the initial construction costs, which would increase the initial retail prices.

Is Water Running Out?

The perception of water scarcity is more complex than it appears. Earth's water cycles through the hydrologic cycle, with water evaporating, condensing, and being precipitated over and over. However, the question of fresh water scarcity remains. Freshwater is not replenished as readily as saltwater, and its distribution is uneven, leading to localized shortages.

The Challenge of Patent Rights

Efforts to address water scarcity with desalination are further complicated by patent rights. Innovations in water manufacturing and desalination technologies are protected by patents, which are held by various entities. Until these patents expire or are challenged, the research and ability to scale these technologies remain limited.

The Hydrologic Cycle and Earth's Water Supply

Water on Earth has a mysterious origin. The precise source of Earth’s water is still debated, but it is widely accepted that much of it came from extra-terrestrial sources. Over time, this water has cycled through the hydrologic cycle, evaporating, condensing, and precipitating. Despite this, fresh water remains a finite resource.

Conclusion

While desalination offers a potential solution to water scarcity, the cost and patent issues currently make it impractical on a large scale. Understanding the complexities of Earth's water supply, the impacts of human consumption, and the challenges of technology and regulation are crucial to addressing our water needs effectively.