This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The essential resource, surpassing even energy, is water. Yet the droughts afflicting the Southwest arouse little attention to the technology that could alleviate or eliminate water shortages - nuclear desalination.
Nuclear energy for desalination of seawater is not new. Nuclear submarines use nuclear heat to provide potable water and steam for propulsion. Japan, India and many Middle East countries now use nuclear desalination that is safe and simple. Nuclear energy supplies heat for a simple, passive process known as reverse osmosis that produces potable water from brackish or salty water. This proven technology could supply water from seawater, degraded surface waters and brackish groundwater, including the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake.
Improved water management and conservation are needed to preserve all water resources, but these measures are not sufficient. If we fail to secure adequate water, our entire economy and standard of living will suffer. Instead of unfounded fears over safety of nuclear power and management of nuclear wastes, public leaders must recognize the seriousness of water shortages and ensure future supplies.
Gary M. Sandquist
Salt Lake City