Desalination system could produce freshwater that is cheaper than tap water
news.mit.edu
A new solar desalination system takes in saltwater and heats it with natural sunlight. The system flushes out accumulated salt, so replacement parts aren’t needed often, meaning the system could potentially produce drinking water that is cheaper than tap water.
  • DessertStorms@kbin.social
    393·
    9 months ago

    For example, tap water in my city costs ~$0.04 per gallon, at 5 gallons per hour, 24 hours per day, for 5 years is $1,752. So saying they can make it for less than the cost of tap water doesn’t mean it’s affordable.

    Or maybe the product just isn’t for you, but for people who pay significantly more for, or possibly don’t have access to drinkable tap water at all.

    • Knightfox@lemmy.oneEnglish
      101·
      9 months ago

      But furthers the point I’m making. If your water costs more than mine then the potential price of this machine is even higher and the base price is already expensive as is. If this was truly a cheap and affordable alternative for people’s in need then it likely would have made that price point a major point of the article.

      Just because it’s cheaper than an alternative doesn’t make it affordable.

      EDIT: Also the article says

      “the team estimates that the overall cost of running the system would be cheaper than what it costs to produce tap water in the United States.”

    • linearchaos@lemmy.worldEnglish
      49·
      9 months ago

      It’s a solar distillation machine. The compact size is useful but there are dozens of ways to do this for almost free as long as you were within reach of an ocean. You can dig a hole in the sand put a piece of clear plastic over and a catch basin in the center and do the same thing. It’s interesting but not really earth-shattering.