Desalination costs in Australia: A survey of operating plants

Abstract A survey of desalination costs in Australia was conducted using data obtained from plant operators, and is reported in second quarter 1986 A$. Unit water costs range from $0.76/kL (for a precursor to deionisation for boiler feed) to $14/kL (for emergency supplies for an island resort). However, an average figure for desalination of brackish water is $3–$4/kL, and for seawater, $5–10/kL in medium-sized installations. Capital costs for brackish water plants have been correlated with plant design capacity ranging from 10 to 3400 kL/d. There is insufficient information to allow a proper comparison between reverse osmosis and electrodialysis for brackish water desalination.