French Polynesian atoll stops water desalination

7:14 pm on 16 August 2018

A French Polynesian atoll has decided to turn off its desalination plant because people disliked the taste of the water.

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Photo: 123RF

Tahiti-infos reported that although Anaa atoll dropped the litre price from six to one US cent two years ago, residents no longer wanted to buy it and the plant will be turned off.

The mayor said it cost the atoll administration more than $US1 million to install the plant seven years ago.

He hoped to be able to derive some income from the device by turning it into an ice-making machine to supply local fishermen.

The atoll, which has only one fresh water source, wants to revert to collecting rain water.