Desalination units hit as Red Tide phenomenon prevails

MUSCAT: The Public Authority for Electricity and Water (Diam) is monitoring the situation of Red Tide in the sea in the Wilayat of Barka, according to the SCADA Centre. The desalination units continue to be affected by this Tide phenomenon in the wilayat. According to the centre, the water companies are continuing their efforts to operate the units when the plankton levels are low in seawater to ensure maximum water production. The main emergency committee of the centre monitored the measures taken to ensure the customers in the Wilayat of Seeb are not affected by any shortage of water. The committee stressed the need to take all measures to ensure water distribution is not affected. It has lauded the measures taken to mitigate the impact of the Red Tide. Red Tide is a phenomenon known as algal bloom (large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms). It is caused by some species of dinoflagellates and the bloom takes on a red/brown colour. Red Tides are events in which estuarine, marine or fresh water algae accumulate rapidly in the water column, resulting in coloration of the surface water. It is usually found in coastal areas. These algae, a form of phytoplankton, are plant-like organisms that can form dense, visible patches near the water’s surface.