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,