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 bach or a high-capacity setup for a lodge or rural property, there’s now a best-fit solution available.Why Go Solar for Desalination?
- 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 coastal cottage, an eco-lodge, or an entire community
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 freshwater 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. This is especially relevant in parts of the Far North, the Coromandel, the Chatham Islands, and the Marlborough Sounds.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.
No Chemicals
Only manufacturer in the industry
100% Solar
Hybrid system, can be fully powered by solar energy
Elemental Water Source – Best Desalination System for Off-Grid Properties
Best for: Off-grid homes, island communities, eco-lodges, 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 used during desalination
Great for:
- Off-grid homes or beach baches
- Island communities relying on rainwater tanks
- Lodges and glamping sites aiming for eco-certification
- Rural community projects or NGOs in water-scarce areas
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: Lodges, industrial use, apartment buildings, local government 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 4,921 – 151,416 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:
- High-end lodges or coastal hospitality venues
- Multi-dwelling housing or staff accommodation
- Councils looking to add resilience to local water supply
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 on 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:
- Emergency situations following storms or floods
- Medical teams serving rural areas
- DOC staff or researchers operating in the field
- NGOs providing support in Pacific Islands
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 on +64 (9) 872 2622, drop us an email at info@bluemont.nz, or request a quote. Our solutions are available in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.