As worldwide fresh water supplies become increasingly stressed from population growth and uncontrolled water use, desalination of seawater has become an increasingly sought-after alternative for new water supply in coastal areas.

AWWA Manual of Water Supply Practices M61 provides technical and planning guidance for drinking water utilities that currently operate, are developing, or are considering desalination facilities for seawater or brackish water.

The manual contains detailed information on seawater treatment technologies, pretreatment, posttreatment, source water quality, finished water quality, environmental impact, residuals management, plant location and construction, operation and maintenance, costs, safety, and much more.