Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi adopts innovative water budget approach

Abu Dhabi, 21, January 2014 (WAM) -The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, EAD, is proposing the adoption of an all-inclusive water budget for Abu Dhabi to ensure the emirate can more sustainably meet a significant anticipated surge in demand that is projected to occur as a result of future population and economic growth. The adoption of a water budget would contribute to the development of an integrated and efficient approach to managing the emirate’s water resources, a process that would encourage the moderation of average water consumption, further the use of recycled water, and seek sustainable management of groundwater resources. The water budget would address imperatives based on forecasts that the emirate’s economy and population could very well triple in the next 15 years, with an anticipated three-fold growth in water demand. This growth is likely to occur against a backdrop of rapidly depleting groundwater reserves. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, EAD Secretary-General, said, "At present, it is estimated that Abu Dhabi uses 3.3 billion cubic metres of water a year. In 15 years, Abu Dhabi may be as much as three times bigger than it is today, leading to extraordinary demands on the emirate’s water resources. All aspects of society need to ask, ‘where will we find the water to sustain this growth and at what environmental and financial cost?’" Currently over two-thirds of Abu Dhabi’s water budget comes from groundwater, with desalination accounting for 29% and recycled water contributing about 6%. "The initiatives we are proposing require a distinct change-of-business approach in some areas and we would ask that our stakeholders come to the table with open minds and a readiness to assist in delivering an outcome that will ultimately benefit all. With the water budget initiative, EAD is driving towards more sustainable water use so that Abu Dhabi can meet its economic and social development goals while limiting the construction of new desalination plants and preserving groundwater reserves for future generations" added Al Mubarak. EAD has designed an eight-pronged strategy to address the sectors for which it is directly responsible. It includes advocating more efficient and strategic groundwater use, closely monitoring groundwater supply, improving forestry efficiency, forestry management through strict, science-based irrigation standards, utilising treated waste water for forestry irrigation the creation of treated waste-water wetlands when necessary, the management of strategic reserves and the forging of a protective, regulation infrastructure. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395275357380.html