why has surprisingly little use been made of distillation of seawater as a source of driking water in arid areas?

The problem is it is very expensive, one has to vaporize the sea water then recondense it.

thanks

The distillation of seawater as a source of drinking water has been used in various applications, but its limited use in arid areas can be attributed to several factors.

1. Energy requirements: Distillation is an energy-intensive process, requiring heat to vaporize the water and subsequently condense it into a purified form. In arid areas, where energy resources may be limited or expensive, the costs associated with desalination can be prohibitive.

2. Infrastructure and maintenance: Establishing and maintaining desalination plants require significant investment in infrastructure, such as pipelines, pumps, and storage facilities. Arid areas often lack the necessary infrastructure, making it challenging to implement and maintain the necessary facilities for seawater desalination.

3. Environmental impact: Desalination processes can have environmental consequences. The discharge of concentrated brine (the byproduct of desalination) back into the surrounding marine ecosystem can harm marine life due to increased salinity and potential chemical pollutants. These environmental concerns may discourage the widespread use of desalination in arid areas.

4. Alternative water sources: In some arid areas, other water sources may still be accessible and relatively viable, such as underground aquifers, groundwater replenishment, or water conservation initiatives. These alternatives can sometimes suffice, making seawater desalination less necessary.

5. Cost-effectiveness: While advancements have been made in desalination technologies, the cost per cubic meter of desalinated water is still higher compared to other water sources. This economic aspect may make seawater desalination less economically feasible in certain regions.

However, it's worth noting that the use of seawater desalination as a source of drinking water has been increasing in recent years, driven by technological advancements, growing water scarcity, and improved cost-efficiency. As technology evolves, and research continues, the feasibility and broader application of seawater desalination may expand in arid areas.