This project proposes submerged water filtration as a simple, modular, point-source filtration solution to the problems associated with conventional water filtration systems

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $575,089.48 Cooperative Agreement under the SECURE Water Act - Research Agreements program (CFDA 15.560) to Natural Ocean Well CO. on March 19, 2024. The project proposes to install and evaluate a submerged water filtration system in the Las Virgenes Reservoir. Submerged water filtration is an unconventional approach that can reduce energy requirements by leveraging natural hydrostatic pressure, while also protecting the system from atmospheric climate risks and minimizing ecological impacts. The project will monitor the performance of the submerged filtration package over the testing phase, which is expected to be completed by September 30, 2025. The SECURE Water Act - Research Agreements program funds innovative research and development focused on improving water resource conservation, efficiency, and management, including technologies to reduce costs, energy, and environmental impacts.

Submerged water filtration is an unconventional water filtration method in which its process filters and pumps are submerged and operate deep underwater. This naturally protects submerged water filtration systems from atmospheric climate risks and, if designed thoughtfully, can eliminate ecological harms, such as waste accumulation and aquatic life mortality. Depending on its source salinity and depth, submerged water filtration can also cut energy requirements by as much as half compared to land-based systems, by leveraging the natural hydrostatic pressure of a water body. The project will install a submerged water filtration package in the LAS virgenes reservoir and monitor its performance impacts over the testing phase.