Desalination Cost Calculator
Estimate your total desalination operating costs and compare against alternative water supply methods.
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Monthly Cost Breakdown
Cost Comparison: Desalination vs Alternatives
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Get an Exact QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How much does desalinated water cost per gallon?
Desalinated water typically costs $3–$12 per 1,000 gallons depending on system size, energy cost, and feed water salinity. Larger systems benefit from economies of scale, and energy recovery devices significantly reduce costs for seawater systems.
What is the biggest operating cost for a desalination plant?
Electricity is the single largest operating cost, typically 35–50% of total OPEX. Seawater RO consumes 3–6 kWh/m³ with an ERD. Membrane replacement and chemical costs are the next largest categories.
Is desalination cheaper than buying bottled water?
Significantly. Bottled water costs $1–$3/gallon retail, while desalinated water costs roughly $0.003–$0.012/gallon. Even with capital amortization, desalination is 100–500 times cheaper for volume applications.