Water security is a global challenge. Efficient resource governance and sustainable practices are essential today. When population and water demands are on the rise, the pressure on natural resources is also building. Recycling can result in resource recovery. Water treatment technology plays a massive role in encouraging recycling and reusing. Industrial growth is a necessity, especially for a vibrant economy like that of the UAE. Waste generation is an inevitable process. Using that to the benefit of the economy and society is the best way to approach it. Water treatment is gaining popularity in the UAE for several reasons. Let us take a look at them.

Sources of Water

The UAE has two principal water sources – groundwater and desalinated seawater. There are no permanent rivers, and the rainfall in the Hajar mountains is the sole source that hydrates the region. Agriculture and subsidiary sectors consume around 72% of the total water consumption. Approximately 94% of the water used for agriculture is groundwater. Exploiting groundwater at a faster rate than its natural replenishment leads to water scarcity. The UAE is placed towards the top and remarked extremely high in the global water stress ranking. Wastage of water, even in the smallest amount, is not acceptable in such a situation. Added to this is the lack of freshwater availability. With the demand for water rising exponentially, water treatment is a necessity. Water treatment methods must be sought to ensure the longevity of the sources.

Water Demands

Agriculture	32%
Industry, Domestic, Commercial	43%
Forests	11%
Landscaping	14%

Waste Water- Possibilities

Treatment of wastewater has numerous benefits. While a global water crisis is at our door, using treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes will benefit the people and the environment. Local municipalities in the emirates are responsible for managing, disposing, and treatment of wastewater. Let us look at Abu Dhabi as an example. In Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) collects and treats wastewater discharged from all residential and commercial areas.ADSCC launched an AED 5.7 billion (USD 1.6 billion) Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) in 2009, including building 41 km of deep sewer tunnels and two new pumping stations.

Government Initiatives

• National Strategy for Preserving Water Resources
• UAE Water Security Strategy 2036
• UAE Water Aid
• Desalination Plants

The UAE government has always given importance to waste management. Several steps are being taken to encourage wastewater management. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment introduced the National Strategy for Preserving Water Resources to implement rationalized and judicious water use policies.         The National Innovation Strategy aims at developing rain enhancement science and technology. With a USD5 million annual grant, this program has attracted research interests from different parts of the world. Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure unveiled the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 in September 2017. This strategy aims to ensure sustainable access to water during normal and emergency conditions following the local regulations, standards of the World Health Organization, and the sustainable development goals of the UAE.

The UAE government also started a non-profit organization, Suqia- UAE Water Aid to support efforts to provide potable water to those in need across the world. This organization also contributes to finding innovative sustainable solutions to water scarcity.

Apart from these, the government has established 33 desalination plants to meet the water requirements in the region. Innovative desalination and purification solutions such as reverse osmosis of seawater, a photovoltaic desalination plant, and water purification using solar technology have been established. The government also encourages sustainable solutions to water shortages internationally by launching the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award.

Let’s Think About the Future

World history has witnessed several geopolitical conflicts. The driving forces for these have been different across ages. If water resources are not used judiciously, we are heading towards a world water conflict. Desalination of seawater is a time-consuming and expensive process. Treatment of wastewater also is not accessible to all. Developing faster cost-effective water treatment methods is necessary to secure our future.

Whenever there is a water crisis, we tend to blame the agricultural and industrial sectors for wastage. While those debates are necessary, shouldn’t we look at certain individual habits that can be harmful in the long run? Luxurious lifestyles result in over-exploitation of the available resources. Being one of the highest water consumers globally, the residents of UAE need to tread each step with caution. Another habit, which often comes across as harmless, is using mineral water for hair wash. When tap water is of low quality, resulting in hair fall, resorting to mineral water or drinking water is the only alternative. However, the long-standing results will not be favorable for the planet. Limiting consumption is not a viable solution. Introducing newer water treatment methods to cater to the needs is the only plausible solution. Water treatment is crucial to ensure that the planet and its inhabitants are safe.

Our Services

Biocatalyst Middle East offers the best water clarification and mineralization services, odor control, wastewater treatment, and more. Our Bio-Organic Catalysts (“BOCs”) are highly concentrated liquid biocatalytic agents that improve water and waste treatment using cost and time-efficient methods. Our method immediately increases dissolved oxygen and breaks down biofilm /fats/oils/greases. This reduces aeration energy, nitrogen levels, sludge volume, and odors. We use superior technology, unlike conventional chemical cleaning methods, and follow safe and green methods. Our services are open for residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial clients.

Converting waste into a resource is a long process. However, for the planet and life on it to sustain, we need to make the best use of our technology and time. Let us all be on the mission for a green future.

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