Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility
The Research Facility is a focal point for developing technologies for the desalination of brackish and impaired groundwater found in the inland states. It is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico. It was opened on August 16, 2007. This facility brings together researchers from other Federal government agencies, universities, the private sector, research organizations, and state and local agencies to work collaboratively and in partnership.
More information about BGNDRF:
- History and Objectives
- Fact Sheet (180 K, pdf) (updated for 2012)
- Newsletter, June 2012 (46K, pdf)
- Newsletter, November 2011 (49 K, pdf)
The mission is to pursue research into supply-enhancing technologies for brackish groundwater that:
Solutions to Concentrate Management
Research will focus on developing innovated methods for reducing the volume of concentrate that are removed from desalinated water-thereby increasing the amount of usable water produced. The research will also look at developing environmentally sound process for disposing of concentrates and will investigate beneficial uses of concentrate as well as byproducts that can be produced from concentrate.Renewable Energy/Desalination Hybrids
Projects will research the development of cost-effective hybrid units that combine processes utilizing wind or solar energy with desalination technologies. It will also investigate alternative energy sources that have potential to reduce the costs of desalination including: fuel cells, geothermal, microwave and others.Desalination Technologies for Produced Waters
The development of technologies that will reduce the environmental impacts and withstand the aggressive nature of water produced in conjunction with oil and gas production wells will be studied. The Research Facility has dedicated water storage and distribution lines that can accommodate these waters.Small-Scale Desalination Systems
Small-scale stand-alone desalination units that can operate effectively off grid, generally through renewable energy sources may provide solutions to remote areas. Research will also study small-scale units that are inexpensive to purchase and operate and that can be operated with minimal maintenance. As a final step, develop monitoring techniques that can signal when small-scale units require maintenance to ensure that units located in the field are working properly.
The Research Facility is integrated into Reclamation's existing desalination research and development program. It fills a unique role and draws upon the expertise and research activities already established.
BGNDRF well water analysis
- January 2013 Well water test results from 2011 through 2012, including evaporation pond water chemistry for 2012 Full report (6 M pdf)
- May 2012 Full report (5 M pdf)
- October 2011 Full report (7M pdf), analysis (58K pdf), Excel spreadsheet
- May 2011 Full report (4M pdf)
Research Projects
Contact:
Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility
500 Lavelle Road
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: 575-443-6540
View News Release: Reclamation Opens Doors to Research Facility for Developing Next Generation of Desalination Technologies