In Peru, they convert seawater into drinking water to supply four districts of southern Lima

There are four districts Lima Sur Beneficiaries of the Sanitation Services Scheme (provided). Its central approach is based on treatment salty sea water, Converting it into water suitable for human consumption, with the aim of distributing it to around 100,000 people in the area.

Punta Hermosa, Punta Negra, San Bartolo and Santa Maria del Mar are also taking advantage of this resource. In a short period of time, some residents of these districts went from having water supply only six hours a day to enjoying continuous access 24 hours a day. However, there are many other areas.

A desalination plant is located in the district Saint Mary of the SeaThere are two departments in this area. According to Héctor Peña, urban development manager, “Villa Mercedes area has almost 100% connections, while Santa María del Mar, the system will only have 25% of this area.”

By this certificate, it is confirmed Meets water standards Established in the current regulations of the Ministry of Health (MINSA). Human consumption. However, observations and monitoring of the project continues for its progress.

This first project implemented under Public-Private Partnership mode is an initiative of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation (MVCS). This method demonstrates the possibility of collaboration between the public and private sectors to address infrastructure challenges and basic services.

For its part, Sedapal approved an Environmental Impact Assessment on the Provisur project in 2015 and stressed that all regulations are being met. They indicated, however, that they would continue to monitor and expand coverage.

The process begins Seawater catchment Through cylindrical structures located more than 20 meters above the ground.

Subsequently, the water is transported through pipelines to a desalination plant operated by a water concessionaire. In this installation, A Purification process Remove impurities and separate the salts present, followed by chlorination of the treated water.

It is important to look around 50% of the water collected in this process is returned to the sea. This completes the cycle of the process.

However, some have voiced their opposition to the project as they believe it poses a threat to marine life and public health. The central problem lies in feasibility Pollution of Santa Maria Bays and in other districts because of salt and sewage.

This risk is particularly important due to the existence of a valuable rocky outcrop 400 meters from the discharge points Guayaquil Island. The island is home to a rich biodiversity that includes marine invertebrates, guano birds, otters and fish, some of which are endangered.

These areas represent the livelihood of an essential community of artisans. Effluents from desalination plants, which include both desalination and sewage, have a direct impact on reefs and the Santa Maria and San Bartolo bays.

While this project has been of great help in curbing water stress in the country, it has also created some difficulties for the people living in the surrounding areas. Desalination plant.

“They make unbearable noise during treatment at night. The land that leaves us. On top of that, every time their trucks come, there is salt, it’s really an unbearable smell, completely insoluble,” a local woman told Latina Noticias.

in part Provisur program It will recover wastewater and distribute it through a contractual process for irrigation of crops and other uses that do not interfere with human consumption.

The sewage network is built by municipalities that discharge their water to a major emitter, which often follows the route of the Pan-American Highway, transporting the wastewater to a treatment and reuse plant.

In recent years, Lima has faced urgent challenges in its water supply Water pressure. Demand outstrips available resources, affecting the sustainability of institutions, water conservation and economic losses.

A study by Senamhi and Sunass predicts a 25% decrease in water availability between 2036 and 2065 due to climate change. Also indicates Lima consumes more than 175 liters of water per day More than 150% of the requirement per citizen.

Climate change, rapid population growth and inadequate infrastructure are contributing factors to water stress in Lima. To solve this problem, it is important to adopt nature-based solutions and make significant investments in the water sector. In the proposals, the Provisur program; Although promising, it still requires improvements and a search for greener and more sustainable alternatives.