Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) play a central role in the design of desalination storage reservoirs by ensuring that potential environmental, social, and health effects are identified and addressed before construction begins. Through an EIA, planners study how a reservoir might affect land use, ecosystems, groundwater, and nearby communities. This process often shapes the choice of site, size, and construction methods to minimize harm.
For example, if the proposed site includes sensitive habitats such as wetlands or wildlife corridors, the design may need to incorporate protective buffers, alternative siting, or mitigation measures. EIAs also evaluate risks such as seepage into groundwater, changes in surface runoff, and potential contamination sources, which influence lining requirements, drainage systems, and protective covers.
