The $1 Billion Road To Fresh Water

By Douglas McIntyre  •  July 28, 2025
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The number of major geographic areas around the world that do not have enough access to fresh eater for the population is too large to count. Some, which are near the oceans, have a path to fresh water, but require access to billions of dollars in capital for what is known as “desalination.”

The FT reports, “As climate change makes rains more erratic and groundwater sources run low, governments across the world are seeking solutions to keep the taps running — a boon for the fast-growing desalination industry, which market researchers think will exceed $20bn in 2027.” The process requires a great deal of energy. 

Only For The Wealthy

Kuwait has almost no access to fresh water. However, the nation is wealthy enough to provide access to the technology and infrastructures. Saudi Arabia and the UAE get as much as 70% of their fresh water from the process. The US has one modest sized plant that provides fresh water for parts of San Diego and Orange County. As the massive drought in the Western US grows, the investment for plants like this will grow as well. 

While small populations in the Caribbean and Cypress can use the process, many of the poorest areas in the world cannot. Most people underestimate the extent to which it is used. This year, over 20,000 desalination plants are operating in 150 countries. These produce as much as 100 million gallons of fresh water per day.

So, the technology is in place. For poor nations, the capital is not.

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