| Kili youth toasting the new life-giving water (Photo credit: PRNewsFoto/Spectra Watermakers) |
SAN RAFAEL, CA, Nov. 7, 2014 -- Spectra Watemarkers, a specialist in energy-efficient, small-scale desalination systems, has provided a permanent solar and wind-powered water desalination plant on the remote atoll of Kili in the Marshall Islands, which is now operational and serves as the region's second facility of its kind.
Tom Vance of Moana Marine LLC installed the two Spectra LB-2800 reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems, which convert seawater into over 5,600 gallons per day (GPD) of clean, fresh, EPA-approved drinking water. Before the installation, Kili's 1,200 residents suffered not only from drought but from polluted groundwater, which had to be boiled before drinking.
A typical desalinating plant of this size would be powered by a diesel generator. Because of the energy efficiency of the desalination systems, the whole plant can be powered by wind and solar power, saving thousands per year in fuel costs. Moreover, with increasingly expensive fuel and unreliable supplies due to seasonal rough seas, alternative energy-powered systems can assure a consistent, affordable water supply.
Spectra uses proprietary energy-recovery pumps. The two installations stand as a model for drought preparedness and safe, sustainable water production in the Pacific Island region. Earlier this year, a similar plant was installed on the atoll of Utrik, 400 miles to the north
See also:
"Desalination system helps thwart drought in Marshall Islands"
"Spectra Watermakers introduces new innovation for drinking water purification"
About Spectra Watermakers
Spectra Watermakers (San Rafael, Calif.) is a longtime provider of energy-efficient, small scale (150 to 10,000 GPD) desalination systems with built-in energy recovery for marine and land applications. Spectra's land-based product line includes solar and wind-powered desalination units for military, disaster relief, village water supplies, eco-resorts, and remote home applications. Spectra products are sold and serviced through a worldwide network of distributors. For more information, visit www.spectrawatermakers.com.
###
