Background: Fresh water is an increasingly scarce resource in an increasingly populous and water-intensive world. Maintaining an adequate supply of fresh water both nationally and globally will be one of the largest challenges of the 21st century. Desalination of salty water – from both the ocean and the ground – represents a huge potential source of fresh water. The development of this resource requires a combination of geoscience, engineering, waste management, policy, and community outreach and participation.

Our speakers are:

• Tzahi Cath, Ph.D., Ben L. Fryrear Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines | Slides   Video
• Jessica H Jones, Director of Communications, Poseidon Water | Slides   Video
• Katherine R. Zodrow, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Environmental Engineering, Montana Tech of the University of Montana; Non-Resident Scholar, Center for Energy Studies, James A. Baker III Institute, Rice University | Slides   Video

Webinar Co-Sponsors: National Ground Water Association, Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists, International Association of Hydrogeologists: United States National Chapter

CEU Credits

To earn CEU credits, please complete the associated on-demand GOLI course that was developed from this webinar with a grade of 70% or higher and then submit your application for CEUs. CEUs are awarded from the American Institute of Professional Geologists. To view the full list of on-demand GOLI courses, please browse the GOLI course catalog.

Resources to learn more:

•  View this webinar's Question & Answer session
• Colorado School of Mines, Advanced Water Technology Center (AQWATEC) website
• Engineering Research Center for Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure website
• Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant website
• USGS National Brackish Groundwater Assessment website
• USGS Circular 1405:  Estimated Use of Water in the United States 2010
• National Groundwater Association Information Brief: Brackish Groundwater
• Texas Water Development Board website
• Texas Desalination Plant Database
• Texas Water Development Board:  Brackish Groundwater Manual for Texas Regional Water Planning Groups
• Buono, R.M., Zodrow, K.R., Alvarez, P.J.J., Qilin, L., 2015, A New Frontier in Texas: Managing and Regulating Brackish Groundwater

Search the Geological Surveys Database for reports and factsheets about desalination.