desalination

Gulf countries rely heavily on plants that make sea water potable — for drinking and for industry, including farming, oil production, and tourism. They may be vulnerable to attack.

The biggest cost in desalination is energy, and this company says its approach uses at least 30% less of it.

The California communities of Santa Monica and Avalon are conserving water but also using desalination to increase the supply.

A new desalination plant supplies 10 percent of arid San Diego's water.