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To Combat Water Shortage in Ilhabela, Sabesp Launches 1st Desalination Plant in SP via Reverse Osmosis; Project May Be a Model for the Country.
Ilhabela (SP) is a tourist paradise known for its natural beauty. But the island faces a chronic problem: the lack of drinking water. In the summer, the situation worsens with the arrival of tourists. Thousands of residents do not have regular access to treated water. To address this, the São Paulo government, through Sabesp, launched an unprecedented project: the construction of the state’s first desalination plant in Ilhabela.
Located on the northern coast of São Paulo, Ilhabela is an archipelago accessible only by ferry. Despite having preserved Atlantic Forest and water sources, drinking water is insufficient. The situation worsens in the high season (summer and holidays). The resident population of 35,000 can exceed 100,000. The current system cannot support this demand. According to 2022 Census data (IBGE), about 8,779 residents did not have access to treated water from the general supply network.
São Paulo’s Response: The First Desalination Plant in the State
In light of this challenging scenario, Sabesp launched a tender in 2023. The goal is to construct São Paulo’s first seawater desalination plant. The chosen location is the mouth of the Ribeirão Água Branca, in Ilhabela. The location is strategic due to its access to the sea and proximity to existing infrastructure.
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The plant will have the capacity to produce 30 liters of drinking water per second. This will supply about 8,000 people. It represents a 22% increase in Sabesp’s local supply capacity. The project is also part of the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program).
The Reverse Osmosis Process
The technology chosen for the desalination plant is reverse osmosis. It is the most widely used and efficient method in the world for desalinating seawater. The process works in stages:
- Intake: Seawater is collected by underwater pipes.
- Pre-treatment: Filters remove large particles (sediments, algae, sand).
- Reverse Osmosis: The salty water is pressed against semi-permeable membranes. These membranes block up to 99% of salts and impurities, allowing only pure water to pass through.
- Remineralization: Essential minerals (calcium, magnesium) are added to the desalinated water to ensure quality and appropriate pH for consumption. The byproduct, a concentrated salt solution (brine), will be returned to the sea in a controlled manner, with environmental monitoring to avoid impacts.
Construction, Jobs, and Energy: Details of the Work in Ilhabela
The construction of the desalination plant will involve various stages. It includes excavation, assembly of industrial structures, and installation of pumps, filters, and membranes. The unit will be connected to the existing water treatment station (Água Branca).
The project has the potential to generate around 300 direct and indirect jobs. Initially, the energy will come from the local electrical grid. However, Sabesp is studying the installation of solar panels in the future to make the operation more sustainable.
Ilhabela as a Model: The Potential of the Desalination Plant for Brazil
Although it is pioneering in São Paulo, desalination is common in other countries. Israel, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Spain are leaders in the field. The Ilhabela plant will use reverse osmosis technology similar to large international projects. In Brazil, which has an extensive coastline, this technology can be used strategically.
It can diversify water sources before water crises worsen. Success in Ilhabela can serve as a model for other Brazilian coastal cities. Cities like Santos, Ubatuba, Florianópolis, and Recife face similar challenges. This may be the beginning of a path towards what could become the largest desalination project in Brazil in terms of national application.
What to Expect from the Plant by 2026?
The expected impacts of the Ilhabela plant are many. It will increase water security, especially in the high season. It will reduce dependence on vulnerable freshwater sources. It will stimulate the local economy with jobs and support tourism.
It will serve as a model for environmental innovation. The forecast is that the desalination plant will be ready and operational by 2026. This project could mark the beginning of a new era in water resource management in Brazil.
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