Summary
Desalination is a process that removes salt from seawater to produce freshwater. As climate change causes more droughts and changes in rainfall, many areas are using desalination to get safe drinking water.
Key Facts
- Desalination turns seawater into freshwater by removing salt.
- It is used mainly in regions without enough rain, rivers, or groundwater.
- The process is important in areas experiencing water shortages.
- Desalination serves millions of people around the world, including in the Middle East and the U.S.
- Modern desalination often uses a method called reverse osmosis.
- Reverse osmosis involves forcing seawater through a special filter that separates salt and impurities from water.
- The process results in freshwater and a leftover salty liquid called brine.
