In the arid southwest, on the United States-Mexico border where drinking water supplies are scarce, the city of El Paso and Fort Bliss have jointly implemented North America's largest inland desalination project. Tapping vast brackish water reserves beneath the desert floor, the 27.5 million-gallon-per-day Kay Bailey Hutchison desalination facilities apply advanced technologies to develop a sustainable drinking water supply, preserve fresh water resources, and improve the quality of life for this growing desert community.
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Desalination supports a holistic water supply approach, integrating fresh groundwater, brackish groundwater, and surface water to maximize limited supplies.
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A proven technology for coastal desalination, reverse osmosis membranes were uniquely applied for this inland application and refined through onsite pilot testing.
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Compact and cost-effective deep-well injection—fueled by solar energy—safely deposits the facility's 3-mgd concentrate (waste) stream more than 3,500 feet below ground with no adverse environmental impact.
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Supported by the region's new long-term drinking water supply, the Army increased base personnel and operations at Fort Bliss, ensuring military readiness and benefiting the local economy.
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Developed through the largest public-private partnership involving the Department of Defense and a municipality, this flagship project produces high-quality drinking water, conserves resources for future generations, facilitates economic development, and improves the quality of life.
The American Council of Engineering Companies has recognized the Kay Bailey Hutchison desalination facilities project with a 2008 Honor Award in Design.