In January 2016, Water. Desalination + reuse (Faversham House), citing Black & Veatch, reported that the consultancy had secured roles on two planned desalination plants. Hong Kong's Water Supplies Department named it owner's engineer for the first stage of Tseung Kwan O, meant to meet about 5% of local demand, with design and construction supervision included; a second stage was planned. In Singapore, national water agency PUB hired the firm for consultancy and preliminary design on Marina East, planned as Singapore's fourth desalination works, able to treat seawater or reservoir water.
The report showed both cities widening their supply base through desalination and relying on outside engineering advice for design, energy use and procurement.