Water management strategies in the Arabian Gulf countries

Abstract

Most of the Gulf countries are arid in nature. The scarcity of natural water resources and the growing gap between demand and supply of potable water in most of the Arabian Gulf countries force them to face their water challenge with wise policies and decisions. Until recently, increasing water demands were met by increasing the source capacity. The source of fresh water in many Gulf countries is desalination of seawater. The cost of desalination is high. The influx of oil wealth during mid 70's and 80's raised the standard of living considerably resulting in increased demands for fresh water. These water demands were met by the construction of more and more desalination plants. However in recent years, the drop in oil revenue due to world- wide recession and the rapid increase in per capita water consumption in the last 40 years, has forced many water supply authorities in Gulf countries to consider conservative alternatives to meet increasing water demands. One of the main alternatives is water conservation. Most appropriate water conservation strategies are: 1) Public awareness on water conservation, 2) Metering and pricing at appropriate rates, 3) use of water saving devices and leak detection and prevention, and 4) Artificial recharge and storage of fresh water and treated wastewater. Of these, pricing of water is the most effective way to reduce water consumption. In general, water rates should be set at a level designed to provide necessary revenue for the water supply authority. However in most cases, water is highly subsidised by the government. Water conservation under these highly subsidised pricing conditions, is extremely difficult to implement. Public education and even stringent legislation will not result in any significant reductions in water demand. Hence, for any significant reduction in water demand, the subsidies should be reduced or removed. Otherwise, water conservation can never be implemented and will remain a myth in most of the Gulf countries.