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Houston Geological Society Bulletin

Abstract


The Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Vol. 56 (2014), No. 7. (March), Page 23

Abstract: Desalination: A Drought Proof Solution for the State of Texas

Paul Choules1

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There is heightened interest in the process of desalination as a proposed drought-proof solution to address the issue of water scarcity with the ultimate goal of mitigating the harsh effects of drought that have affected the state of Texas since 2011. It is also important to note that the attraction of desalination goes beyond alleviating the effects of the drought. Several positive outcomes result from desalination: 1) ensuring water supply to industrial and public sectors, 2) avoiding restrictions on local and international economic activities due to unforeseen water scarcities, and 3) preventing overuse and depletion of the state’s natural water resources.

Even more compelling is the fact that Texas has spearheaded several recommendations on seawater desalination as one of the primary water management strategies that would potentially result in 125,514 acre-feet per year of new water supply by 2060 (Texas Water Development Board, 2012). Interest in the use of brackish groundwater as an alternative source of water for desalination also continues to grow as an alternative to the sole use of seawater. Another appealing aspect of the use of brackish groundwater is that its salt content is much less in comparison with seawater. This makes brackish groundwater more cost effective to desalinate than seawater. Nevertheless, other factors such as quantity, demand, economics, and environmental impacts must be considered prior to commencement of any desalination project regardless of water source.

Biographical Sketch

During his over 30 years in the desalination industry, Paul Choules has worked in the areas of business development, permitting, start-up, commissioning, project management, and operating of reverse osmosis and thermal desalination plants around the world with industrial, oil and gas, and municipal clients. Prior to joining Water Standard, Mr. Choules served as vice president with Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies where he led the development and execution of multiple projects in the industrial and municipal markets. Prior to Veolia’s acquistion of Weir Techna, Mr. Choules was Techna’s regional vice president for the Americas when they contracted and constructed multiple water treatment projects for offshore oil and gas facilities.

His experience also includes 19 years at MECO, where he was responsible for providing support to over 250 desalination installations and developed and executed some of the first successful membrane desalination plants in the Middle East. He was identified as one of 36 global desalination expert “Desalters” in the history of the industry by Global Water Intelligence in August 2011. He is a board member and current president of both the Texas Desalination Association and the Caribbean Desalination Association.

Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes

1 Paul Choules: Senior Vice President of Business Development; Water Standard

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