Safeguarding Water Quality for Life at Sea
Aboard maritime vessels, reliable access to clean water is vital – but far from straightforward. Maintaining adequate water quality poses numerous challenges in maritime settings requiring specialized expertise and solutions.
A ship’s water supply faces risks ranging from saltwater intrusion to contamination by microbes and minerals. Storage tanks are prone to corrosion and the growth of bacteria like E. coli and Legionella. And limited space aboard ships constrains the water treatment options far from shore.
Water management starts with choosing tank coatings that prevent corrosion and metal leaching. Keeping storage temperatures outside pathogen growth ranges also helps control microbes. Preliminary treatment of wastewater commonly involves removing solids through bars and grits.
Yet ships still require vigilance against contamination. Testing by a trained crew includes regularly checking residual disinfectants, pH, turbidity, and conductivity to catch any drops in cleanliness. Additionally, biofouling – the growth of organisms like algae and barnacles in pipes and tanks – must be controlled to avoid associated bacteria and restricted flows.
Desalination via reverse osmosis membrane technology now enables vessels to produce their own potable water from seawater, rather than importing limited tanked supplies when docked. This produces hundreds or thousands of gallons per day for larger ships. However, systems require intensive pretreatment and maintenance.
International Maritime Organization and Centers for Disease Control helps ensure best practices are met industry-wide for protecting maritime water quality. Treatment coupled with diligent monitoring provides crews and passengers the clean, safe water critical for maintaining health and operations at sea. With sound water management, the open ocean need not jeopardize vital access to the essence of life.
