In October 2018, SouthCoastToday reported that a Maryland-based consultant was due to brief the Swansea Water District commissioners on October 15 about trouble at the district's desalination plant. Acting superintendent Jeffrey Sutherland said Watek Engineering had experience with brackish water, and AECOM was also being consulted. During the summer, intake salinity had climbed to around 45,000 mg/l and at times beyond, while the reverse osmosis units could handle no more than 22,000 mg/l. After rainfall, it fell back to 2,000 mg/l.
The report showed how sensitive a plant built for brackish water was to sharp swings in intake salinity. Chairman James Hall wanted the review finished before the plant's winter shutdown.