Water experts at International Water Summit call for water consumption demand guide

ABU DHABI, 21st January, 2016 (WAM)--Managing consumer demand is crucial to meeting water sustainability targets in the UAE, experts urged at the International Water Summit (IWS), being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Speaking at the IWS keynote panel debate on Tuesday, Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi-based Regulation and Supervision Bureau, outlined the strategic initiatives set out by the Bureau to drive efficiency through regulatory reform in the water and power sectors. "The purpose of these initiatives is to support Abu Dhabi’s economic and population growth. Action needs to be taken now to ensure the Emirate’s future water and electricity needs are met in an economical and efficient manner," Al Qubaisi said. "This can only be achieved by developing effective energy efficiency programs, educating consumers to encourage sustainable use of water and electricity, and building the knowledge base that is needed to support water and electricity efficiency strategies." According to the 2014-2018 Water Resources Management Strategy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, daily domestic water consumption stood at 614 litres per capita in 2010, and future targets aim to curb this figure to less than 340 litres by 2030, which means reducing consumption by nearly 45 percent. Earlier this month, the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company increased water tariffs from Dh 9.9 to Dh 10.55 per 1000 litres for those who exceed the allocated daily limit of 700 litres in flats and 5,000 litres in villas, as part of its continuous efforts to promote sustainable domestic water use. Enhancing efficiencies throughout the supply-demand value chain while mitigating environmental risks in the process is crucial to achieving a sustainable water future for the UAE, according to experts. Eng. Sheikha Ahmed Al Hosani, Deputy Executive Director for Environment Quality at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and a speaker at the IWS conference, said, "The UAE is witnessing rapid population and industrial growth, and with this comes a surging demand for water. Here at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, we are committed to harnessing this resource without compromising the environment through continuous industry collaboration, research and development, and innovation in technology." "By bringing key stakeholders together under one roof to discuss some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the water sector, the International Water Summit plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable water future not only for the UAE, but also for the region and worldwide," she added. IWS, hosted by Masdar and held in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, takes place from 18-21 January at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and brings together world leaders, field experts, respected academic authorities, and business innovators to accelerate the development of sustainable strategies and technologies. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395290550743.html