El Paso Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant
Desalination Plant of the Year
What is it?
A 104,000m3/d inland brackish water desalination plant.
Who is responsible?
The prime consultant and programme manager for the project was Moreno Cardenas. CDM was responsible for the process design and Western Summit Construction provided construction services. Biwater AEWT supplied the RO system.
Why is it shortlisted?
- It is the second-largest operating inland brackish water desalination plant in the world, and the largest outside the Middle East.
- The RO plant uses an advanced vertical multiport design which reduces fouling and operational costs.
- The project is the result of a partnership between the local community and the US Army.
- It serves as a model and centre of learning for other inland cities facing diminishing supplies of fresh water.