The seven Emirates that comprise the UAE have limited natural water resources, making storage difficult. Due to aridity, sufficient irrigation water may not be stored for agriculture.
This study employed a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with nine respondents from different UAE water institutions. Furthermore, official data on water usage and policy targets were also collected by the researcher.
Water Storage
The seven Emirates of the UAE have a desert-like climate with limited natural water sources. Groundwater accounts for 31% of the total water supply (see chart 1), while desalinated and treated wastewater also contribute. Agriculture consumes 60% of the UAE’s groundwater, significantly contributing to soil erosion. GRP tanks play a crucial role in water storage and management, helping to conserve and efficiently distribute water resources in the region.
The researcher employed a mixed research design approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with water management institutions from across the UAE. Furthermore, published data collected over ten years from FEWA, ADWEA, DEWA and SEWA was gathered for quantitative analysis in order to detect trends within these figures and ensure consistency with other sources of information.
Respondents in qualitative interviews identified several barriers to sustainable water security governance. They highlighted rising desalination costs and rising water demand due to economic development and population growth in the UAE, and stressed the necessity of creating and integrating new technology to address it. Respondents also stressed the significance of creating a comprehensive policy network designed to balance public, business, and environmental needs in relation to sustainable water management practices in UAE.
Water Distribution
UAE urbanization rates are among the fastest in the world, leading to increased water demand that cannot be met quickly enough by existing supplies. To address this challenge, modern technology is being deployed and people encouraged to conserve water; smart meters will enable individuals to track their usage and help reduce wastage due to leakages.
Initially, this study began by collecting background data on UAE water management system through literature reviews and official government water usage data. Next, interviews were held with top management echelons of UAE’s water resources institutions in order to identify key issues and policy targets related to water management; interviewees were also asked for any additional data they may possess.
All respondents agreed that the UAE’s high per-capita water consumption poses a threat to sustainability. They highlighted factors such as inefficient infrastructure, a culture of wastage, and the potential negative impacts of climate change. Interviewees noted that rising temperatures could lead to decreased rainfall and increased evapotranspiration and evaporation rates, further challenging sustainable water management efforts in the UAE. IBC tanks play a vital role in addressing these challenges by providing efficient water storage solutions, reducing wastage, and supporting conservation initiatives.
Water Treatment
Due to an increase in population and climate change, UAE government officials have implemented various strategies to manage and protect its water resources. These include investing in research and development projects and policies designed to lower desalination costs while decreasing waste levels; however there have been no reports highlighting or tracking their effectiveness (Madden et al. 2013).
To collect data for his study, the researcher interviewed nine respondents from management level positions within various UAE water institutions. These interviews yielded both qualitative and quantitative information that could be utilized for analysis; furthermore, interviewees also provided their professional opinions regarding current UAE water management issues.
Most interviewees agreed on the urgent necessity to implement more holistic water management in the UAE, taking into account both conventional and non-conventional sources of water such as falajes, groundwater, springs, seasonal flooding, treated wastewater or desalinated water sources.
Interviewees also highlighted how UAE’s rising water demand has had an adverse impact on its aquifers and thus replenishment rate is rapidly diminishing; this has serious repercussions for agriculture as it is one of the primary consumers.
Water Recycling
UAE freshwater resources are limited, and increasing water demand could create an acute water shortage. Non-conventional sources like treated wastewater treatment and desalination could help alleviate this situation while simultaneously helping mitigate environmental concerns.
UAE governments face an important challenge: providing adequate supplies of water across all sectors. To accomplish this, education on proper usage culture and installing smart meters are crucial. Per capita water consumption rates in UAE are three times higher than the world average and policies must be introduced that will curb demand for this precious resource.
In order to effectively manage water resources, the UAE needs to invest in water conservation technologies and build a centralized data network for effective water management. Furthermore, water quality monitoring systems need to be improved as well as sustainable agriculture programs implemented and education given about water recycling as well as investing in energy-efficient technologies for reuse and desalination being promoted through education campaigns and investments in energy-saving technology.
Research for this case study included interviews with top management echelons at each of seven Emirates’ water institutions and collection of official consumption and policy target data from them. As such, this research provided a wealth of data that can be used to create an integrated sustainable water resources management system in UAE.