Generally, desalination reservoirs are not designed to support fish or wildlife, and in most cases, operators actively prevent their presence to protect water quality. These reservoirs store treated freshwater intended for drinking or industrial use, and exposure to animals can introduce microbial contamination, debris, and nutrients that encourage algae or bacterial growth. Even small amounts of organic matter from wildlife can compromise disinfection and create taste or odor issues.
In open reservoirs, wildlife such as birds or insects may occasionally land or fall in, but access is usually restricted with fencing, covers, or nets to minimize contact. Some reservoirs also use screens at inflows and carefully managed water circulation to discourage habitation. In rare cases, specially designed reservoirs or holding basins may include controlled ecosystems, but these are separate from potable water storage and are used for purposes such as research or aquaculture, not drinking water supply.
