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Choosing the Right Desalination System: Portable, Containerised, or Large-Scale?

desalination system
When it comes to water security in Australia’s off-grid, coastal, or remote regions, one-size-fits-all simply doesn’t work. The right desalination system should match your location, power setup, and daily water needs without wasting resources or requiring major infrastructure. That’s where Bluemont’s solutions come in. We provide solar-powered desalination systems that are sustainable, scalable, and built for efficiency. This guide breaks down the key options – portable, containerised, and large-scale – to help you choose the best fit for your site and water goals.

Smarter Desalination, Scaled to Fit

Traditionally, desalination plants were large, expensive, and tied to permanent infrastructure. But that’s changing. Thanks to advances in solar desalination, compact and containerised systems are now available that suit everything from daily off-grid use to large-scale operations. With EWM desalination systems, you now have access to versatile, portable water desalination systems. Whether you need a small unit for a remote cabin or a high-capacity setup for a resort, there’s now a best-fit solution available.

Why Go Solar for Desalination?

Old-school desalination tech is powerful. But it’s also power-hungry. It usually runs on fossil fuels, needs heavy maintenance, and eats up operating budgets. Solar desalination systems? Not so much…
  • They can run entirely on solar or wind energy (no grid, no problem).
  • They use reverse osmosis for desalination
  • You can install them just about anywhere
  • They’re scalable – great for a beach hut, a resort, or an entire town.
In other words, our systems are very user-friendly and designed to address the real concerns you have. But, if you are looking to install a desalination system on your property, it’s important that you select the right model. It will ensure your freshwater requirements are met without any issues. On top of it all, all EWM systems are the only 100% chemical-free desalinators on the market.

Start Here: Ask Yourself These 5 Questions

Before choosing the best desalination system for your site, it’s worth getting a clear idea of what you actually need:

Do you have access to electricity?

Solar-powered desalination systems are a great fit for off-grid living, especially when paired with battery storage for added reliability. On their own, solar systems typically operate during daylight hours, but with battery backup or integration into a generator or mini-grid setup, they can run around the clock. Elemental Water Makers offer flexible, energy-efficient solutions that can be customised to match available power sources and ensure consistent fresh water production – even in remote locations.

Is this for long-term use or a short-term project?

Temporary projects need portable, quick-to-deploy units, while long-term sites benefit from containerised systems that offer easy setup, durability, and higher output.

How much water do you need each day?

Match system capacity to your needs – residences may require a few hundred litres daily, while commercial or community sites can need several thousand. The capacity also determines the size of the system.

Are you in a coastal, island, or remote area?

Desalination works best where seawater is accessible but freshwater is limited. Consider proximity to the ocean, site elevation, and the ease of sourcing feed water when selecting desalination systems.

Do you need to move the system around?

If mobility is key, choose a lightweight, portable unit. For fixed locations, go for more robust systems designed for higher capacity and long-term performance. With those answers in hand, let’s look at your options.

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Elemental Water Source – Best Desalination System for Off-Grid Properties 

Best for: Off-grid homes, island communities, eco-resorts, remote projects

Hassle-free, fully solar-powered solution. EWM’s Plug & Play system is a ready-to-use, containerised unit designed for remote locations. It can run purely on solar power and comes equipped with batteries as a backup. Since it arrives pre-configured, installation is quick and straightforward – just set it up and let it run. The system is available in different sizes and can support water production between 3,800 – 100,000 litres per day.

Key Features:

  • Solar-powered reverse osmosis system
  • Available in different sizes for various applications
  • Ships ready to install – no complex setup
  • Can run without batteries
  • Optional version available for grid-connected sites
  • No chemicals were used during desalination

Great for:

  • Beach houses or off-grid residences
  • Island villages using rainwater tanks
  • Resorts aiming for eco-certification
  • NGOs working in water-scarce communities

Things to consider:

  • Works best in sunny climates
  • Produces water mainly during daylight hours
  • Add a storage tank if you need water access at night

Efficient Water Maker – Best for Large-Scale Properties with Grid Access 

Best for: Resorts, industrial use, apartment buildings, council utilities

If your site already has a stable power supply, this system delivers high-capacity desalination around the clock. It’s designed for efficiency and durability, using far less energy per litre than typical reverse osmosis setups. You can choose from compact or containerised formats based on your space and capacity needs. Supporting water production between 4921 – 151416 litres per day, it is available in small, medium, and large versions.

Key Features:

  • Compatible with grid power, generators, or hybrid systems
  • Operates 24/7 with consistent output
  • Low running cost per litre
  • Suitable for both standalone and integrated setups

Great for:

  • Hotels and resorts with high guest turnover
  • Multi-unit buildings or worker accommodations
  • Councils adding desalination to existing system

Things to consider:

  • Requires continuous power – not suited to off-grid sites
  • Best installed where infrastructure already exists

EWM Portable Solution – Best for Emergencies and Small-scale Applications

Best for: Emergency response, mobile clinics, field teams, expeditions

This ultra-portable unit is one of the best portable water desalination systems in the market.

It comes in a rugged peli-case and is designed for mobility. It’s solar-powered, chemical-free, and can start producing clean water in under an hour. Though it has a smaller output, it’s perfect for temporary use in areas where quick deployment is critical. If there’s no access to power, the unit can be paired with the PowerBox – a rugged companion case that includes solar panels, a lithium battery, and a charger, allowing it to run completely off the sun, no grid required.

Key Features:

  • Produces 30-50 litres of clean water per hour
  • Lightweight and airline-transportable
  • Powered by solar, with no need for chemicals
  • Simple, tool-free setup in remote conditions

Great for:

  • Disaster-hit areas with no water infrastructure
  • Medical or research teams in the field
  • Military and emergency response operations
  • Environmental or humanitarian expeditions

Things to consider:

  • Limited output – best for short-term or small-group use
  • Needs direct sunlight to operate effectively

The EWM range gives you flexibility, whether you’re running a village, a business, or a temporary camp. Think about your power situation, your daily water needs, and whether you need to pack up and move.

If you want the best desalination system for off-grid use or are exploring portable water desalination systems for your specific needs, Bluemont is here to help you find the perfect match. Just give us a call +61 2 9091 0360, drop us an email sale@avjenvironmental.com, or request a quote. Our solutions are available in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.