By Kimberly Arsenault
Contributor, EDM Digest
Underground reserves of brackish water may soon help relieve freshwater woes across the nation according to a recent report by the U. S. Geological Survery (USGS). The [link url=”https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/1833/pp1833.pdf” title=”study by the USGS”] offers an in-depth analysis of the use of brackish groundwater as an “unconventional water source” that could relieve pressure on underground freshwater aquifers that are rapidly being depleted, especially as demands for water are increasing.
Current groundwater sources are not able to meet demands, especially in semi-arid or arid locations across the nation. As an alternate source, brackish groundwater could supplement area water supplies but may require treatment before use. Brackish water is a slightly salty water that has more dissolved minerals present, anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 milligrams per liter, and while some processes could use the water in its current state, its use as municipal freshwater supply would require desalination.
Large Supply Available
Information for the study was assessed according to national, regional, and aquifer-scale analysis to determine the amount of dissolved minerals and saline present. The good news is that the assessment found available brackish groundwater sources to be 800 times the current yearly use of water for the nation. Some areas across the country already use brackish groundwater for a variety of applications, such as the oil, gas, and mining industries, and it provides water for agricultural needs, including crops and livestock that can tolerate low salt levels.
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The usability of brackish groundwater differs across the nation according to hydrologic and geothermal processes associated with the specific geological setting in which the water is found. Consequently, the chemical concentrations found in the water will determine its specific use, such as for industries, agricultural, or drinking water. For example, brackish groundwater high in arsenic and/or boron would not be suitable for agricultural or drinking water use, and high mineral scaling may preclude the use of brackish groundwater due to issues with the present technology available for conveyance and storage.
A Single Location For Compiled Data
Part of the goal of the study was to compile information from already existing sources to provide a foundation for further research. These findings were captured in a database that was created specifically to house information that could be readily accessed for each particular aquifer. The database records the amount and locations of the brackish water to better determine how it can alleviate increasing freshwater demands now and in the future. Specific information gathered included data regarding aquifers such as if they are easy or difficult to access according to hydrogeologic conditions, salt concentrations, chemical characteristics, the volume of water available, and depths at which the brackish water can be found.
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The compiled information offers a solid basis from which it is possible to research brackish groundwater as at least a partial alternate source of water to alleviate pressure now and in the future, on current freshwater aquifers and groundwater supplies.
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