Challenge: To explore the feasibility of desalinating brackish groundwater, saline groundwater, and/or ocean water to supplement increased potable water demand in the Maui Department of Water Supply's Central and West Maui municipal water systems.
Solution: As part of the technical project team, INTERA completed a regional hydrogeology investigation consisting of three-steps to identify general aquifer locations that may provide water supply opportunities for desalination and potable water supply development in the study area. First, we evaluated the hydrogeology, regulatory setting, and existing sources of groundwater contamination within the study area. Next, we evaluated nine brackish and saline aquifers within the study area in accordance with a set of environmental criteria. The final step focused on characterizing general geographic locations within the most conducive aquifer systems, based on the environmental criteria and expert local geologic knowledge of the study area.
Results: From the nine geographic areas identified as the most favorable for brackish and/or saline groundwater development, four sites were recommended for desalination in Central and West Maui. INTERA’s hydrogeology investigation and source water and waste disposal recommendations were incorporated in a master Desalination Study Report, prepared for the Maui Department of Water Supply.
