Special Features
Water consumption peaks in the UAE
According to the study conducted by Emirates Industrial Bank, UAE has been recorded as the highest consumer of water for all purposes compared to its western counterparts. This high level of consumption is due to the climatic conditions that prevail in the region. The study indicates that the demand is increasing every year due to the growth in population and the booming tourism industry in the UAE.UAE also records the highest per capita consumption of bottled water (265 litres per year) and this is owed to factors like economic prosperity and the presence of local brands of bottled water much preferred by the UAE population. In the wake of this, Dubai will host the second ’Global Bottled Water Congress’ in September, according to Richard Hall, chairman of Zenith International and organizers of this event.
Sources indicate that Water production in the UAE reached more than 195 gallons in 2004 with an increasing demand in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Growth in hotel industry, agriculture and construction sector which has increased the number of labor camps and residential buildings have led to the increase in demand for water supply to these cities.
According to Statistics available from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, (DEWA), The total production of water in 2004 was 61,478 MIG(million imperial gallons) and the total consumption was 53,504 MIG which is higher compared to other cities in the Gulf.
The UAE supplies water from two sources - wells (ground water) and desalinated water. However, there are constraints on utilisation of both sources. Desalinated water comes with a high price tag although it is produced by using associated gas. In 2002, the production of water was 181 billion gallons at a cost of Dh 3426 million , according to statistics provided by the UAE Ministry of Water and Electricity.
To meet growing requirements of water, Dewa (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority ) plans to invest Dh20 billion which will increase its capacity by 2010 and will amplify desalinated water capacity to 110 million gallons per day (gpd).
Apart from this, DEWA had launched a campaign in February 2005 to rationalize power and water consumption and avoid depletion.
It is estimated that the demand for water is likely to grow in the coming years but investments and planning are underway in this area as more than 50 per cent of the world’s desalination projects are situated in the Gulf. The UAE has an opportunity to become an expert in applying this technology and fulfill the requirements of the emirates, which are densely populated and especially in rural areas, where the challenge is distribution and production.
Website: http://www.dewa.gov.ae
