It takes energy to produce energy: pumps must be powered and vast quantities of seawater desalinated.

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The project uses non-conventional water sources for irrigation, including desalinated water surplus and treated wastewater.

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Every single gram of food that is eaten needs to be either imported or grown with desalinated water.

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It turned out that the concrete was made using beach-sand that was not properly desalinated, rather than more expensive quarry-sand.

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More importantly, some scientists are concerned that the flow of desalinated water into the sea could disrupt the Gulf Stream, which could change weather patterns.

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Together, recycled waste and desalinated water are expected soon to meet 25-30% of demand, and local industries, many of them with a need for the cleanest supplies, are more than happy to use it.

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