In a strategy that aims to help conserve Abu Dhabi’s three water resources of desalination, recycled water and groundwater, the Emirate state has set out the aim to cut water losses in half to 10% by 2030.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) presented its draft 2014 – 2018 water resource management strategy to key stakeholders at a recent workshop, attended by representatives from the Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB), Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) and Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA).
EAD and its partners aim to improve efficiencies in areas such as water resource distribution. For example, currently, estimations put unaccounted for desalinated water based on distribution losses at approximately 20%. The Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) aims to reduce that by 10-15% by 2030.
Various methods and technological processes are being applied by water utilities to conquer the growing problem of water losses. Pressure management in potable water distribution systems is becoming a high-profile topic to influence leakage and asset management (see WWi article).
Water consumption rates are already high in Abu Dhabi. With Abu Dhabi’s population currently forecasted to exceed five million by 2030, demand for potable water is expected to double, according to RSB’s “Supporting the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030” document.
During the workshop, EAD presented examples of what opportunities there are to reduce costs while maintaining living standards through a more efficient use of water resources. These included maximizing the use of recycled water for non-drinking purposes, moderate indoor and outdoor desalinated water consumption and extend the life of usable groundwater reserves.
Dr. Mohammed Yousef Al Madfaei, executive director of the integrated environment policy and planning sector, said: “The sustainability of the water sector and long-term supply solutions for a growing population and economy can only be fully addressed by an integrated and sustainable water resources management system that ensures water is managed as one resource. Our objective from the workshop demonstrates that by focusing on efficient resource allocation, we can ensure sustainable multi-source water usage.”
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- In October 2014 WaterWorld Middle East conference and exhibition will focus upon the issues of water management and leakage reductions in the UAE. For more information, click here.
