quertered

Though there are processes that turn it back into potable water, just reusing it even once in agriculture would bring huge cost savings compared to having to desalinate it again, which is why I wonder why there doesen't seem to be any studies of the realistic likely costs of desalinated water when accounting for reasonable reuse

There are also times where energy cost is negative and you'll actually get paid to consume it. Consumers don't typically see this of course

It is clearly not impossible, the paper clearly states that it's thermodynamically feasible, even if not practical at 1970s

How would salt end up back in sewage?

Question: why is desalinated water costs calculated based on as if the water was immediately thrown back into the ocean? Wouldn't it rather be recycled after once desalinated?