Desalination has become an essential tool to enable effective management of water strategies in the 21st century. To celebrate 50 years of Filtration+Separation we take a look back at the last 50 years of desalination by discussing major milestones and achievements with Leon Awerbuch (International Desalination Association, IDA), James Birkett (West Neck Strategies), Richard Hill (Whitewater) and Graeme Pearce (Membrane Consultancy Associates). Anthony Bennett reports.