GETTING DRINKING WATER FROM SEA AND WASTEWATER: COST AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS

Abstract: Pressures and impacts on water resources are increasing day by day due to the increasing population, industry, drought, climate change. In addition, there is a decrease in water resources in some countries due to the increase in tourism activities. For all these reasons, many international organizations have started economic and administrative studies for the sustainability of water resources and for the production of healthy water. In today's countries exposed to drought and water poverty, the acquisition of drinking water from non-conventional sources with today's technology has been an acceptable solution in many respects. In some countries where water is not poor yet but is under water stress or is rich in water, they have started to take measures through the elimination of drinking water from unconventional sources. These resources can be called home waste and sea water. It is not possible to realize these treatments without using membrane systems. Operating and initial investment costs are very high, and these treatment systems are decreasing due to the development of membrane technology. The use of these processes is becoming more and more common day by day. Membrane processes that operate with high treatment efficiency produce high concentrations of waste. The disposal or recycling of this waste must be acceptable by the ecosystem. Although the membranes meet the criteria for drinking water, the purified drinking water can attract the public's reaction from the point of view of the water resources. As a result of all these positive and negative situations, drinking water from wastewater and sea water is an important solution to water scarcity.