Assessment and Implementation Framework for Transboundary Brackish Groundwater Desalination in South-central New Mexico

Type:

Miscellaneous Report

Date published

May 2024

Author:

Pei Xu, Phil King, Sam Fernald

Abstract:

This project developed an assessment and implementation framework for transboundary brackish groundwater desalination to diversify the water portfolio and to reduce conflicts in water supplies in South-central New Mexico. The study involved the Hydrogeologic Framework of the Mesilla Basin to assess the brackish water resource for water supply and concentrate disposal. An engineering design report was prepared to estimate desalination costs and to lay the foundation for the process of obtaining permitting and financial assistance for development of a desalination project in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The technical, economic, environmental, societal, regulatory, and financial aspects of the desalination project was assessed in this project. Laboratory and pilot studies were conducted to evaluate desalination performance using electromagnetic field (EMF) pretreatment and reverse osmosis membranes with 3D printed feed spacers to reduce membrane fouling and scaling, and to enhance desalination efficiency.

Keywords:

Brackish water desalination, transboundary brackish water aquifer, reverse osmosis, electromagnetic field, techno-economic analysis, multi-criteria decision making analysis, engineering design report

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