Gulf region to seek waste-water solutions in Dubai

In most of the Gulf region, limited water resources pose severe constraints on economic and social development. According to the World Bank report, over pumping of underground water has lowered the water table which has increased the groundwater salinity, ground water depletion, and ecological degradation and this raises a serious threat of shortage and quality of water for the future. In this context, the development of non-conventional resources such as desalinated water and reclaimed waste-water is increasingly relevant. According to the Environment Agency - AbuDhabi, 72 percent of water used in the UAE comes from groundwater, 21 percent comes from desalination and only 7 percent is treated water.

Prudent countries are now working on waste-water treatment and reuse as an additional water resource in their national water resource management plans. Waste-water reuse is believed to be one potential intervention strategy for developing non-conventional water resources which will also help to protecting the environment and natural resources. Reuse of water helps indirectly to preserve freshwater and also reduces the cost which is involved in other approaches like transfer of water, water storage or desalination.

The challenges faced by the GCC region will grow in future as economic growth continues which will lead to increase in population and rise in water demand. Looking at the future needs, it has become imperative for the authorities to develop effective policies and work towards latest technologies which can help to preserve freshwater. Though most have implemented effective solutions already, a scope for improvement exists.