A reverse osmosis (RO) water supply system is commonly used to provide clean and safe drinking water in eco resort developments. Here are the key components and considerations in designing and sizing an RO water supply system for an eco resort.

• Raw Water Source Assessment
  Assess the available raw water sources in the vicinity of the eco resort, seawater only, or a combination of seawater and rainwater harvesting, or in some cases a bore can be commissioned as a 3rd source.
• Pre-Treatment System
  A pre-treatment system is essential to remove impurities and protect the RO membranes from damage. Components of the pre-treatment system may include
  •  Sediment Filters – Sediment filters remove larger particles, such as sand, silt, and suspended solids, through mechanical filtration.
  • Carbon Filters – Carbon filters remove chlorine, organic compounds, and certain chemicals that can adversely affect the RO membranes.
  • Water Softener (optional and not normally required in Anambas) – If the raw water source is high in hardness minerals, a water softener may be installed to prevent scale formation on the membranes.
  • Antiscalant Injection System – An antiscalant may be added to the water to inhibit scale formation and prolong the lifespan of the RO membranes.
• Reverse Osmosis Unit
  The heart of the system is the reverse osmosis unit, which uses semi-permeable membranes to remove dissolved solids, microorganisms, and other contaminants from the water. The RO unit consists of
  • Reverse Osmosis Unit o RO Membranes – High-quality RO membranes are responsible for separating pure water from the impurities. The number of membranes and their capacity depend on the desired production rate and the quality of the raw water.
  • Pressure Vessels – Pressure vessels house the RO membranes and provide the necessary pressure to drive the water through the membranes.
  • High-Pressure Pump – A high-pressure pump is used to boost the pressure of the feed water, ensuring efficient membrane performance and water production.
  • Flow Meters and Pressure Gauges – These instruments monitor and control the flow rate and pressure throughout the RO system.
  • Post-Treatment System – After the water passes through the RO membranes, it goes through a post-treatment system to improve taste, quality, and stability. Components may include:
  • Mineralization Unit – If desired, a mineralization unit can be added to add beneficial minerals back into the water for improved taste and health benefits.
  • pH Adjustment System – May be necessary to achieve the desired level for potable water.
  • Disinfection System – A disinfection method such as ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation or chlorine injection may be employed to ensure the water is free from harmful microorganisms.
• Storage and Distribution
  The treated water is stored in a clean and hygienic storage tank before distribution. The storage tank should be made of food-grade materials and equipped with proper ventilation, inlet, outlet, and overflow connections and suitably secure to ensure no wildlife finds its way into the drinking water supply!
• System Sizing
  To design and size the RO water supply system for an eco resort, consider the following factors.
  • Water Demand – Assess the expected water demand of the resort, including guest rooms, restaurants, kitchens, and other facilities. Estimate the peak and average water consumption to determine the required production capacity of the RO system.
  • Water Quality – Analyze the quality of the raw water source to identify the level of treatment required and the type of pre-treatment components needed.
  • Sustainability – Opt for energy-efficient components and consider incorporating water-saving measures, such as low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting, to reduce water consumption and promote sustainability. In addition, to ensure carbon free water generation, consider the size of the system running only during daylight, to ensure it can run directly from solar and eliminate the need for additional battery storage to operate the plant.
  • Scalability – Consider the potential future expansion of the eco resort and design the system.