The pressure icy water leaving the energy recovery device has its pressure boosted by a small booster pump so that it is at the same pressure as the sea water leaving the high pressure pump the boost is necessary as some pressure has been lost as the stream travels through the reverse osmosis system approximately forty percent of the sea water that enters the system is converted to potable water during the reverse osmosis process the potable water is further treated by adding calcium carbonate to improve the taste and bring the ph to the neutral range chlorine is also injected to provide disinfection properties as the water travels from the reverse osmosis plant through the distribution pipes to homes and businesses
when proper conservation of natural water resources practiced water reuse has been applied and a water deficit still remains sea water reverse osmosis can offer a sustainable alternative with good stewardship it can provide life-sustaining water for coastal communities the salted water supplies which are not susceptible to drought and other natural disasters can provide a clean safe potable water supply