VIDEO: Can desalination help address Europe's freshwater needs?

Several southern EU countries rely on desalination to fulfil the demand for fresh water for drinking and agriculture.

However, the process is expensive and energy-intensive. It also produces large amounts of concentrated sea solution and chemicals, called brine.

When discharged back into the ocean, brine can disrupt the salinity balance, affecting marine flora and fauna.

Technological improvements are making desalination cheaper and more sustainable. However, before turning to desalination, we need to protect and restore the water cycle and ensure that it is used efficiently by encouraging reuse, reducing water leakages and cutting abstractions, among other things.  

Watch the latest Water Matters video below to discover more or read more on Euronews.

More information

What if we saw water differently? 

EU taxonomy for sustainable activities 

Desalination