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Resource Depletion in the Middle East – Water |
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by Rohan Kapur | 28-07-2017 18:31
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But, friends, water resources in the UAE may deplete as early as in next 40 years, warned the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD). UAE relies on desalination mainly. The Emirate's groundwater supply has been reduced by 18 per cent since 2003, according to EAD's Annual Abu Dhabi Emirate Water Resources Statistics Report. This reduction in groundwater supply points to the increasing use of unconventional water resources, such as desalination and re-use of treated wastewater. All the landscaping of the UAE is watered by treated wastewater. The government has already made tremendous efforts in water conservation, through large investments and building of desalination plants as well as infrastructure for water distribution networks.
The EAD has recently developed an Abu Dhabi Water Master Plan, which describes the current status of water sources and demand, uses and future needs of water in all sectors of development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi until 2030.
There is an urgent need for the adoption of options and means that suit the environment for increasing water production, such as to increase the efficiency of the use of treated sewage effluent to irrigate forests and use of desalinated water in excess of need in the recharge of underground reservoirs for use in times of emergency. It is expected that the demand for treated sewage effluent will exceed its supply in the near future. It is also recommended to use appropriate local drought tolerant plants in landscape agriculture, parks and various places of entertainment to reduce water consumption. Individually we may contribute little to solve the issue but if we change our water consumption patterns lot of conservation may be achieved. When I take a foot forward its? just one pair of feet but if 5 Million strong population collectively takes a foot forward its? 5 Million pairs. Government is doing its part but its our duty to conserves this precious resource before it depletes completely. Source: Gulf News, The National news archives. Image & Data Source: UAE Water conservation Strategy 2010, MOEW, |
 
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15 Comments
Thanks Rahul for your comments.
Posted 03-02-2018 22:40
thanks for sharing
Posted 03-02-2018 18:18
good work
Posted 03-02-2018 18:18
Thanks Aaditya. Lifestyle shift & regular monitoring is the key.
Posted 10-08-2017 23:52
Thanks Anishka. Conservation & preservation are proven methods, indeed.
Posted 10-08-2017 23:52
Thanks Arushi. Rightly commented. Usage of modern tech can help tap the scarcity.
Posted 10-08-2017 23:51
Thanks Ndubuisi
Posted 10-08-2017 23:49
Thanks Cheonghan. Concrete action is indeed required by all countries.
Posted 10-08-2017 23:49
Thanks Daon. UAE is, in fact, proactive and concrete in this area. They are making all efforts to mitigate the potential crisis.
Posted 10-08-2017 23:47
Rohan, thank you for your report. Lots of instructive information here. I cannot believe that water resources in the UAE could be gone so soon. That fact makes us assume that other countries might have similar issue as well. As you mentioned, an urgent action is needed.
Posted 06-08-2017 19:58
Hi Rohan! Thanks for sharing thorough report on water resource depletion in UAE.
It is shocking that water resource will be in danger in just few decades. As you pointed out, we need to change various aspects, from its production to its usages and after usages. Among them, i think the most urgent and important thing is to change people's lifestyle and perception of water as scarce resources. Thanks for brining up!
Posted 31-07-2017 23:55
Thanks for the enlightenment
Posted 30-07-2017 12:56
Since the UAE is located in the desert, it has a very small amount of underground water, little rain and no rivers. Because of that the government has to rely on other water resources like desalination of the sea water. Desalination is very expensive.
Clearly, growth rate in water consumption is unsustainable in the UAE. While, as you mentioned, government is leaving no stone unturned to explore other sources of water , it is of paramount importance that people also consume water mindfully.
I heard that UAE is considering a new smart application with which residents can monitor their water use to begin conservation efforts. Water authorities would use this smart application to track utility bills and a text message will be sent once consumers have reached the limit, It's like a warning every once in a while for people to be careful of their water wastage. Such measures are needed to drive residents towards water conservation.
Thanks Rohan for an informative report.
Posted 29-07-2017 19:15
Yes, absolutely, water is a resource which very few people pay attention to, it is not something that will last forever and that's what people need to understand. Water conservation can only be done when people come together and decide to cut on their consumption. There are some main causes that lead to water scarcity. Farming and irrigation are often a huge culprit when it comes to that, we need to improve practices so that we don??t use as much water and those who are using water are using it to its full potential. Individually this may contribute little to solve the issue but if everyone finds a way to cut down on their consumption and use water to its full potential then there wont be any water scarcity in the years to come. Thanks for the report:)
Posted 28-07-2017 20:31
You are right Rohan, water conservation in UAE has to be a combined and collective effort. A shift in lifestyles aimed at minimising wastage and reducing consumption of water is required to save the UAE from water scarcity in the years to come. Thanks for writing on this topic.
Posted 28-07-2017 20:00