review of water & water-reuse management in abu...

Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper

1

Review of Water & Water-Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi

Abstract:

Abu Dhabi the capital of the UAE and one of the modern cities in the GCC region, the Arab

region and even on global basis, can be considered a progressive urban community. However,

concerning fresh water it is a challenge as it is located in water stressed region where annual

average precipitation is only 100 mm average and with increasing population and standard

of living the per capita consumption is becoming very high and therefore there have been

increased demand for potable water. Additionally, pressure on groundwater abstraction

especially for irrigation has led to many wells being depleted or became saline. There have

been an increasing utilization of desalination to meet increasing water demand, but

desalination is associated with many disadvantages such as high cost, high energy demand

and environmental impact. Therefore, the focus have recently turned into managing water

balance through public awareness campaign and researches on improving desalination

design to reduce energy demand and environmental impacts. This in addition to enhancing

and sharing the knowledge base through well established water research centers and the

organization of international conferences relevant to water like the regular series of an

“International Water Summit”.

Abdelgadir Salih. KN International Architects & Engineers, Abu Dhabi, UAE

1. Introduction:

As water is a primary factor of life of humans, animals, plants and organisms, its adequate

availability should be the concern of any water related authority, scientists and the general

citizens.

In water stressed locations, such as in desert areas, areas with limited ground water

sources or rivers, non-conventional water supplies sources are usually looked for. These

sources include expenditure on desalination treatment technologies especially in areas near


2

the sea (i.e. in Arabian Gulf Region), high value trade in ‘virtual water in form of

vegetables, fruits and canned food) to reduce water demand, high expenditure on

wastewater treatment and reuse (i.e. Singapore and Australia) and even in many cases

import of water through transmission pipeline from one country to another (Singapore).

Furthermore, potable water availability is threatened by the problem of pollution.

Pollution can imply treatment or extra treatment in many cases, which means more

expenditure to treat water to acceptable standard. Furthermore, water sources such as

ground water can be difficult to treat if polluted. Additionally, industrial pollution is

damaging and destroying freshwater ecosystems in many areas, compromising water

security for both individual water consumers and industries.

Additionally, industrialization and improvements in health care since the 1970’s has led to

increase in global population by nearly double. This drastic increase in population in

addition to rising standard of living have led to increase in water demand and thus

increased pressure on the subject of water availability. .

This paper is a highlight and review of Water Management with reference to the Emirate of

Abu Dhabi that include Western Region, Eastern Region and Central Region.

2. Water Use in Abu Dhabi and UAE

The United Arab Emirate is located in water stressed location. This was highlighted in UN

2008 report where the amount of available potable water resources per person per year is

only 33 m3/Person/Yr and this is lower than other countries in the GCC region like Oman

(503 m3/Person/Yr), Bahrain (150 m3/Person/Yr), KSA (95 m3/Person/Yr) and Qatar (33

m3/Person/Yr) (EAD).

The climate can be considered as dry with maximum annual precipitation of 100 mm and

the rate for Groundwater recharge is less than 4 % annually (EAD). Murad (2014) also

mentioned that average annual rainfall precipitation is 100 mm ranging from 40 mm per


3

year around Liwa Oasis to 160 mm per year in Northern Eastern Mountains. Also,

according to UNDP (2013) the rainfall intensity in the UAE is 52 mm as per 2002 figures.

Surprisingly, the actual per capita potable water consumption is 565 to 920 liter/person/day

and that is nearly three times the average global potable water consumption (EAD). Also,

Dawood (2014) mentioned that potable water consumption in Abu Dhabi is twice the

average international consumption. While Agha (2014) mentioned that water consumption

per capita per day is around 500 liter and that is 82% higher than international average.

With understanding of Water Management Importance in the UAE, there have been focus

on Water Management highlighted by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al

Nahyan ,the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, as he mentioned in 2011 that Water Management

Challenge is more important than Oil for the United Arab Emirates and he requested the

initiation of the International Water Summit Annual event to discuss water issues for

potential solutions and shared knowledge. Additionally, his Excellency Dr. Rashad Ahmed

Bin Fahad, the Minister for Environment and Water in the UAE; mentioned in 2014 that

the country have focused on protection of natural resources, compliance with environmental

standards, sponsorship on desalination opportunities, reuse of treated wastewater, water

harvesting and reducing water consumption (Bin Fahad, 2014).

According to Griffith (2014), the amount of water usage in the UAE is approximately 727

Million Gallons per Day where 23.7% is considered as wastewater. The usage breakdown is

as per the following chart:


4

From the above figure it is clear that Agriculture and Forestry are the main sectors that

consume water in the UAE. Similarly, on general in the Arab region, Agriculture consume

about 85% of water demand, while domestic use comes second with 8% and Industry with

7% (UNDP, 2014). Thus, agriculture should have a serious focus in any strategy to reduce

water demand as it is being the major consumer for water. Saving in water demand for

agriculture could come from the use of water sustainable irrigation methods in addition to

the use of water saving plants or even the import of food from outside (virtual water).

Additionally an ADWEC Statistical Report (2015) mentioned that Water Peak Demand in

the Emirate of Abu Dhabi increased from 655 Million Gallons per Day to 744 Million

Gallons per day within only a period of two years from 2011 to 2013. Additionally, according

to ADWEC the Water Peak Demand is forecasted to increase as per the below chart from

2014 to 2030.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Agriculture Forestry People Livestock Lost Amenity Industry

7 Main Water Using Sectors in UAE

Water Use %


5

The sources of Water to satisfy the demand from mentioned above usages are Ground

Water 66%, Desalinated Water 28% and Recycled Water 6% (Griffith, 2014). While

specifically in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the sources of water are Ground Water with 62%,

Desalinated Water with 30% and Recycled water with 8% (Pearson, 2014). Similarly,

(Dawood, 2014) mentioned that potable water sources in Abu Dhabi are Ground Water with

63%, Desalinated Water with 30% and Recycled Water 7%. These figures highlight

similarities where Ground Water and Desalination seem to be the main sources for Water

Supply.

2.1 Desalination a Water Supply Source:

Desalination was established as a source of Potable Water in Abu Dhabi since 1960, when

the first desalination plant was installed in Abu Dhabi Cornish with a capacity of 12500

Gallons per Day using Multi Stage Flush Technology (ElRamahi, 2014). However, with

increasing demand for desalination as a source for potable water, the expected capacity

forecast for desalination in the UAE generally is expected to increase to 18.27 million cubic

meters by 2025 (UNDP, 2013) and currently the desalination capacity in Abu Dhabi alone

is 916 Million Gallons per Day (ElRamahi, 2014). Additionally, the UAE may invest more

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030

Water Demand Forecast for Abu Dhabi (MGD) 2014 to 2030


6

than 10 Billion US Dollars on Desalination in the period between the years 2011 to 2020 as

per UNDP (2013). Try to use metric system in the whole paper.

According to ADWEC Statistical Report, the Desalination capacity of Abu Dhabi Water and

Electricity System (ADWEA) increased dramatically from 212 Million Gallons per Day to

916 Million Gallons per Day from 1998 to 2014, and that means 432% increase in a period

of 16 years. The following chart based on ADWEC data highlight the substantial increase

over Desalination capacity in the years from 1998 to 2014.

Desalination has grown with increasing Water Demand and now the GCC region in general

constitutes nearly 50% of Global Desalination Capacity (ElRamahi, 2014) with currently

desalination being carried using Reverse Osmosis in addition to traditional Multi Stage

Flush Technology. Murad (2014) mentioned that 64% of desalination in UAE is carried in

Abu Dhabi emirate.

Desalination process is associated with many disadvantages such as High Energy

Requirements, High Cost and High Environmental Impact. Desalination wastewater could

be hazardous as it is discharged back into the sea with high salinity and hot temperature

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Desalination Capacity (MGD) in ADWEA system From

1998 to 2014


7

which could affect the biodiversity in the sea. Additionally, Power and Desalination Plants

have contributed to more than 31% of Carbon Dioxide emission in the emirate of Abu Dhabi

(EAD).

Furthermore, sometimes desalination require post treatment to reach appropriate water

quality standards through increasing Alkalinity, Calcium content, Salt content and

Langelier index. Additionally post treatment could be required to remove harmful

disinfection byproducts such as Bromate & THM’s and to ensure colour and taste suitable

for human consumption (Borsani, 2014).

Currently good research is going on by Masdar Institute in Abu Dhabi to evaluate

improvement in desalination systems design with reference to cost and energy demand. The

research covers both Reverse osmosis and Multi Stage Flush Technology. These researches

also, investigate the potential of using Solar Energy for Desalination to save cost.

Additionally, Dawood (2014) mentioned ongoing studies to use Nuclear Energy and Solar

Energy for Desalination to reduce high energy consumption associated with desalination.

2.2 Recycled Water as a Source For Water:

On global base, the reuse of wastewater in irrigation usually follows the restricted and

unrestricted irrigation guidelines of the WHO. Furthermore, the Environment Protection

Agency proposed in 1992 wastewater reuse for irrigation of eaten crops which are used in

the USA and include the restrictions of 10 mg/l BOD, 2 NTU Turbidity, Faecal Coliforms

less than 100 ml and Chlorine residual less than 1 mg/l (EAD, 2009).

As with UAE, the regulations for the wastewater quality before reuse in irrigation differ

from emirate to emirate. For example in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, where 60 % of

wastewater treated in the 32 wastewater treatment plants scattered in the emirate and

planning to reuse 100 % by 2014, the governing standard for wastewater reuse in irrigation

are the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) standards. The reused

wastewater for irrigation is mainly used for landscaping, and is managed jointly by ADSSC


8

which operates the wastewater treatment plants, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and

the Public Recreational Facilities Directorate division in Abu Dhabi Municipality.

Concerning the level of treatment undertaken by wastewater treatment plants in Abu

Dhabi for wastewater reuse in irrigation (mainly landscaping), it is mainly based on

conventional treatment with preliminary step: screening, grit removal and flow

equalization, primary step: clarifier or sedimentation tank, secondary treatment; aeration

and secondary sedimentation process and tertiary stage; disinfection. However, recent

technologies are increasingly becoming used such as MBR for secondary treatment stage

and Reverse Osmosis for polishing stage, to provide higher quality of treatment and add

confidence for wastewater reuse in wider irrigation applications. Also, STP’s in the emirate

of Abu Dhabi include two Bio-filter units for wastewater treatment, which are cheaper than

traditional Trickling Filter.

It is to be noted that the nature of sewage in the emirate of Abu Dhabi is predominantly

domestic sewage and therefore the main concerns are microbiological and organic concerns,

but recent trend toward industrialization in the emirate could lead to wastewater effluent

that contain heavy metals, which require advanced treatment technologies such as Reverse

Osmosis and Adsorption.

According to the figures given by Haddock in International Water Summit in 2014, the

percentage of Treated Wastewater reuse in Abu Dhabi emirate is nearly 53%, with highest

percentage TSE reuse in Eastern Region with 97%. The following table highlights the

percentage of Treated Sewage Effluent Reuse in the three regions in the emirate of Abu

Dhabi:

Table 1: Percentage of TSE Reuse in Abu Dhabi Emirate Regions:

Emirate of Abu Dhabi Region TSE Reuse in Irrigation %

Central 40

Eastern 97

Western 63.7


9

Based on the above table, the greatest potential for increasing water supply is in the central

region of Abu Dhabi. Accordingly, the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company started the

Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Project (STEP) in the central region to improve the

methodology used for collection of wastewater. This project include a 41 km deep sewer

tunnel ranging from 24 m to 80 m depth and a new pumping station with a capacity of 1.7

million cubic meters per day (Haddock, 2014). This ambitious important project could

definitely assist in increase of TSE reuse in the central region; especially known that

additional improvement is ongoing in Abu Dhabi’s main Wastewater Treatment Plant with

the construction of Al Wathba 1 and 2 Treatment Plants.

Currently most of Treated Wastewater reuse is for irrigation of Landscaping, Forestry and

Agriculture. This process is regulated in-between ADSSC, the PRFD/ADM and the

Environment Agency to ensure there is no public hazard. Additionally, ADSSC design

guidelines include a section on Treated Sewage Effluent Quality that is based on

recommendations from the Regulation and Supervision Bureau and it is comparable and

even more restrict than other international water quality standards like the WHO (1989)

and the EPA (1992).

2.3 Groundwater a Source of Water:

The UAE share in-between Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar the Neogene Aquifer that is

part of the Eastern Arabia Tertiary Carbonate Aquifer System that span in an area of 1.6

Million Km 2 and can be described as primarily a limestone and dolomite aquifer (UNDP,

2013). According to the same source, the annual abstraction in the UAE for groundwater is

8 million cubic meters.

However, only 3% of the ground water sources in Abu Dhabi are fresh and readily

accessible with 18% in the form of brackish water and 79% is saline and cannot be directly

used (Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, 2015).


10

The groundwater source that still constitutes the major water supply source in the United

Arab Emirates is under threat with increased demand and compared with 50 years ago

where the depth of wells was 1-2 m, now drilling groundwater wells depths could reach to

more than 300 m. Additionally, many groundwater sources are becoming depleted or more

saline because of over abstraction (EAD).

According to (Dawood, 2014) agriculture is the most consuming sector for groundwater in

Abu Dhabi with around 25 thousand farms in Abu Dhabi and more than 100,000 well

drilled for agriculture in recent years.

According to UNDP (2013) over abstraction of groundwater in eastern coastal plains for

irrigation led to increase in water salinity in the wells and consequently abandonment of

irrigation and agriculture.

In order to protect the groundwater sources, the Environment Agency introduced the

Groundwater Well Drilling Licensing system for Drilling Contractors including to control

the limited Groundwater source that constitute to 62% of water sources in the emirate of

Abu Dhabi. This licensing system requires a license for drilling new wells or even change

the existing conditions of existing wells and request efficient usage of the abstracted

groundwater (EAD).

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (2013) focused on the Water Management issue

through several ways including encouraging of crops that inexhaustible on water and the

import of fodders and resell with subsidized price to famers. Also, a project in the western

region was launched to improve irrigation system in more than 29% of the farms to target

reducing water consumption until 50%.

Furthermore, the Environment Agency jointly with Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity

Authority started in 2010 the Groundwater Injection Project in Liwa where upon planned

completion in 2017 shall be a reserve potable water source to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for

an approximate period of 90 days (EAD).

Another potential for groundwater recharge is Recharge by Treated Sewage Effluent. Such

a process can be advantageous as it can be an additional treatment step for TSE as the

treated wastewater percolate through the aquifer layers and treated naturally, in addition


11

of adding storage of water to already depleted or saline wells in Abu Dhabi. Groundwater

recharge with TSE has been used in California, USA, with many successful case studies

(Salih & Salih, 2012). In consideration of the GCC region, there are plans and feasibility

study on recharge of aquifers with TSE in Qatar and Oman (Shalala region) (Salih & Salih,

2012).

Soil Aquifer Treatment method depend on whether the aquifer is confined or unconfined.

Thus, in case of unconfined aquifers the water is naturally treated as it percolates through

the soil, sand bed or unsaturated zone until it reaches the saturated zone and stored

allowing die-off of pathogens. In such case, the influent water quality could be of restricted

irrigation quality and thus SAT becomes an additional step to enhance the quality of the

water into unrestricted irrigation use. Jimenez et al(Website) mentioned that influent

could be of primary or secondary treatment stage and thus SAT becomes a polishing stage.

However, if the groundwater is also used for drinking then it is advised to use SAT after

tertiary treatment to avoid contamination issues. However, with confined aquifers

treatment and the associated use of injection well, the influent wastewater need be of

secondary or tertiary treatment effluent and containing effluent with low organic matters

and suspended solids contents. Recently with both cases of unconfined aquifers and

confined aquifers, NDMA risk is leading to the use of Ultra Violet disinfection along with

advanced oxidation as it is the only way to remove NDMA, which can be cancerous. From

the writer’s point of view, the optimum treatment process for wastewater reuse in irrigation

could include preliminary stage of screening and grit removal to remove large solid wastes,

primary treatment with sedimentation tank and clarifier to remove settable solids,

secondary treatment with aeration and secondary sedimentation and tertiary treatment

with UV disinfection and advanced oxidation. It is to be noted that treatment methods for

particular removal of nitrogen and phosphorous are not necessary as they could be useful to

replace the fertilizers and associated cost.

Additionally, the Abu Dhabi government managed through different authorities to specify

future agriculture, forestry and landscaping plants with reference to water consumption

and sustainability. This is planned to reduce demand on potable water and in particular

groundwater, that is usually the major source for irrigation.


12

Furthermore, Murad (2014) mentioned that the Strategy for Water Protection in UAE in

2010 planned to reduce groundwater abstraction by 25% to 30% by 2030.

2.4 Weather Modification to improve Water Supply Status:

According to the UNDP (2013), the UAE reported positive results for cloud seeding in 2008.

Furthermore, Climate Global Control Company claimed to be able to increase precipitation

in the form of rain in the UAE and GCC by 80-100% for 1 year and 200-400% for 5 years

(Climate Global Control Trading, 2013)).

Byron (2014) mentioned that while the annual global fresh water use is 4000 cubic km, the

atmosphere include fresh water of a volume of 13,00 cubic km per day in the form of 98%

water vapour and 2% cloud cover. Therefore, if condensation process can be enhanced,

there could additional potable water source that could be suitable in water stressed regions

in particular. He proposed a process to condense water vapour in to cloud and consequently

water precipitation in a controlled condition.

Additionally, according to the National Center for Metrology and Seismology in the UAE

website, cloud seeding experiments started in 2001, including experiments in the summer

and winter periods, in addition to within different locations within the UAE. Recently

during the International Water Summit 2015, they announced research grant for research

on the field of cloud seeding to promote further understanding and hopefully better cloud

seeding results.

3. Demand Management Strategies for Water:

Management of water is not only about increasing supply. Water demand management can

be an essential management tool to balance the demand of water and thus reduce the water

supply required. Water Demand management can be through regulation, public awareness

and through research to determine effective water management strategies and methods.


13

3.1 The Management Authorities of Water in Abu Dhabi:

Water is supplied locally through Abu Dhabi Water Electricity Company that include

TRANSCO for transmission lines, ADDC/ADC for distribution and ADWEC for planning.

Furthermore, there is ADSSC for Sewage collection and treatment within the emirate of

Abu Dhabi. In addition, there is the Regulation and Supervision Bureau that is responsible

for Water and Wastewater Regulation.

The Regulation and Supervision Buru have established water wise initiative to tackle the

high & rising water consumption with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the RSB

and licensed distribution companies have raised the water tariff structure starting from

January 2015 to provide incentive for water conservation. Additionally, the RSB and

ADWEA initiated objective to define and mitigate unaccounted for water resulting from

leakage and unmetered consumption (Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, 2015).

While, the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company in the process of targeting more use of

recycled water through asset enhancement projects including the STEP Project and the

construction of wastewater treatment plants and Enhanced Treatment plants, with aim to

achieve 100% use of recycled water by 2018.

Additionally the Abu Dhabi Municipality is responsible for Storm Water Networks within

the Emirate, irrigation of landscape and agriculture within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi is responsible of regulation and management of

groundwater within the emirate of Abu Dhabi including licensing and issuing of

environmental permits to prevent water pollution.

According to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (2015), there is a trend focus among

water related Authorities to adopt the concept of Water Budget to sustain match water

demand with water supply. This concept means the accounting of the water resources

within the geographical area including quantification of water sources, water uses and

water savings. Accordingly, the water budget approach require the definition of sustainable

water budget, study options, agree on allocation and balance water use with the water

budget.


14

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (2015) already awarded a study contract to the

University of UAE and the University of Leeds to create static and dynamic water budget

models for Abu Dhabi through quantification & assessment of water supply sources,

calculating & analyzing water demand sectors and creation of model to predict different

scenarios and be a step to define appropriate water policy.

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (2015), have setup many initiatives to the sustain

the use of water in agriculture including initiating a project to study Water Consumption

Levels in the farms, Study on treated wastewater, Campaigns to promote good agricultural

practices, importation of water consuming crops and fodders, improving irrigation network

and soil improvement studies.

All the mentioned above authorities work jointly toward the management of water within

the emirate of Abu Dhabi and coordinate on a national level with ministry of Water and

Environment and Ministry of Energy.

3.2 Public Awareness:

Public awareness is a useful tool to promote saving water between the public. In the UAE,

there have been many campaigns to reduce water consumption including the Heroes of the

UAE campaign established in 2009 by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, a Worldwide

Fund for Nature and Emirates Wildlife Society (UNDP, 2013). This campaign was

sponsored by the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environment & Water and ADWEA

and included the participation of more than 70 schools within the UAE in a competition to

promote sustainability in Energy and Water Use.

Another public awareness campaign to reduce water consumption is the Waterwise

Initiative founded in 2011 by the Regulation and Supervision Bureau in the emirate of Abu

Dhabi and launched publically in 2013. The initiative covers outside home appliances such

as landescape and private gardens irrigation, washing cars, swimming pools, outdoor leaks

and outdoor cleaning. Also, the initiative coverage include inside home appliances such as

bathroom, laundry, kitchen, ablutions and indoor leaks (Waterwise website).


15

3.3 Water Research and Development in Abu Dhabi:

Water Research & Development in Abu Dhabi is on advanced stage with the establishment

of research institute such as the National Water Center located in Al Ain City and part of

the UAE University.

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (2015) as part of their trend focus on Water Budget

for balancing water supply and demand has awarded a contract to the National Water

Center at the UAE University along with the University of Leeds to conduct a study to

develop a Dynamic Approach to Water Budgeting for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The study

shall include objectives of developing a Static baseline National Water Budget, developing a

Dynamic National Water Model and develop Future Scenarios.

Furthermore, there is Abu Dhabi National Energy & Water Research Center established in

1998 by Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority.

Furthermore, there is MASDAR research institute that focus on several water related

researches in coordination with many global institutes and research companies. According

to ELRamahi (2014), MASDAR is researching jointly with international researchers the

potential for more advanced and innovative renewable energy for desalination.

In addition, the International Water Summit started in 2013 as an annual event to discuss

water issues from global, regional and local prospective, based on instruction by his

Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, the crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Another event is

the Water Gen carried also annually in Abu Dhabi and includes an exhibition and a

scientific conference.

Furthermore, reference to Water was discussed as part of international conferences,

exhibitions and seminars and forums held frequently in Abu Dhabi.

Computer Modeling Applications relevant to Water, Wastewater, Irrigation and Storm

Water are widely used in the UAE and specifically in Abu Dhabi including SewerCAD,

WaterCAD from Bentley. Other leading Computer modeling companies such as HR

Wallingford, XP Solutions and DHI have opened branches in the UAE to cater for water

and wastewater sectors in the UAE/GCC and related needs. Additionally, Building

Information Modeling is becoming increasingly popular and in particular in Dubai.


16

Based on research carried by researchers on the UK for Water Research Questions (Brown

et al, 2010), 94 key research questions were asked where interview was done to determine

priority with importance. As these mentioned research questions were based on UK

conditions, I have selected the following research questions based on the above, yet focusing

on Abu Dhabi/UAE/GCC conditions and tried to discuss each question.

1. How can we reduce uncertainty in the prediction of droughts and floods?

The many witnessed cases of adverse weather witnessed in the region because of

Global Climate Change require addressing through computer modeling of extensive

weather related data to able to predict to high accuracy future weather. This was

highlighted by Murad (2014) as he stated the need for weather data collection for

appropriate analysis to take place.

2. Where monitoring technologies should be deployed to better detect environmental

problems?

Weather related date collection can be scattered around in the Emirate or Country

along with coordination with other Countries in the region, where it improve

weather Data Base.

3. What is the total economic value of water supply in the Abu Dhabi/UAE?

Water is a scarce resource in the UAE, where trying to estimate the economic value

of water should take consideration of many elements including Desalination Cost,

Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Cost, Ground Water Recharge and Water

Demand.

4. How can the full value of water be integrated into decision making relevant to water?

The full value of water can be integrated in to decision making through good linkup

between Water Related Authorities and Research Bodies.

5. What is the true economic loss because of leakage? And what leakage loss percentage

is acceptable?


17

Considering the high cost of desalination, the cost of leakage is very high within the

region, where the minimum acceptable leakage is the most achievable minimum

leakage. Leakage can be controlled with monitoring of construction stage of water

transmission nd water distribution networks using the latest available technologies.

6. What tariff structures will best support sustainable management of water resources?

The tariff structure can be a regulatory way to ensure conservative usage of water.

Here in Abu Dhabi, based on recommendation from RSB, ADDC raised Water Bill

starting from January 2015 to target more conservative usage of water.

7. How do we reduce harmful industrial fluxes to sewage plants?

Harmful Industrial fluxes to sewage plants can be controlled by appropriate

pretreatment prior to discharge to sewer lines. This issue was addressed by the RSB

with drafting a regulation for Industrial Wastewater Discharges.

8. Is the current water supply or sewerage network up to the adequate standard and

what can be done if we would start fresh with regard to water supply and sewerage

networks?

The current works in STEP Project by Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company in

the Central Region of Abu Dhabi to collect sewage through strategic tunnel is an

example of rethink French to solve water and sewage related issues.

9. How will climate change influence hydrological regime changes in ground water

impact on water supply?

Climate Change with more rainfall participation shall increase recharge rate for

ground water, while decrease in rainfall participation shall reduce ground water

recharge and deepen the water scarcity in ground water and wells.

10. What is the best solution to water supply over periods longer than the next 30 years,

and what are the potential barriers to success?

There are various concepts and technologies with planned research in many water

aspects where change can be potential for water supply and sewage collection,


18

treatment and reuse. These include Fourth Degree Treatment for Wastewater where

application of TSE reuse can be widened to industrial and even residential water

supply. Furthermore, the concept for Grey Water Reuse can be implemented in the

future with particular focus on residential applications as public perception for Grey

Water Reuse is better than for Black Water Reuse. Furthermore, the current

research in Abu Dhabi to reduce energy demand for Desalination could result in the

use Solar Energy and Nuclear Energy. Leakage control can be improved in the

future with improvement in leakage monitoring technologies and focus on

specification in water and wastewater construction in Abu Dhabi.

11. What water conversation and wastewater retrofit options are needed for existing

buildings?

Regulations and Specifications could specify the use of water saving plumping

appliances inside buildings to target reduction in water consumption. However, such

a target could require time if it is applied for current buildings in addition to new

buildings.

12. How does public perception of water management affect their response to calls for

water conservation?

Public perception is very important for water management within any location. For

example, public perception for not drinking reused Treated Sewage Effluent in some

countries, force Water Authorities to target other water management strategies.

13. How can we improve public perceptions for re-use options such as grey water

recycling for other purposes apart from irrigation?

Grey Water reuse research and consultant is a focus within Abu Dhabi and the

UAE. Also, the concept has been implemented in Masdar City for reuse in

Industrial applications. The public perception can be improved concerning Grey

Water reuse with the implementation of Quality Control System where is frequent

sampling and testing of TSE effluent.

14. What are the marginal benefits of additional water treatments on public health?


19

The cost of treatment compared to probability and severity of health hazards can be

evaluated to define the appropriate treatment and cost budget.

15. What are the environmental impacts of different uses of sludge as a product? (energy

or fertilizer)

The reuse of sludge as source for energy or as fertilizer can be associated with

hazards including Microbiological, Inorganic and Organic hazards.

16. How can we re-use sludge from sewage treatment so that it provides the best value to

society?

Sludge Reuse can be used effectively with appropriate regulation and Quality &

HSE management. This shall include sampling and testing and additional

treatment when required.

17. Should we be using treated water to recharge groundwater?

Treated Sewage Effluent can be used for Groundwater recharge in Abu Dhabi based

on conditions including the groundwater shall not be used for drinking purposes,

after adequate treatment, when water resources are limited and if the aquifer is

suitable to provide additional treatment step to the Treated Sewage Effluent.

18. How could we use institutional processes to manage holistically the water cycle in

UAE?

Intuitional Processes can be integrated, where communication channels are

available with transparency attitude for sharing of information. This can definitely

create a holistic approach for water management.

19. How do we ensure that innovation, particularly related to sustainable solutions is

maximized in the water industry?

Innovation can be maximized within the Water Industry through the organization of

Conferences, Exhibitions, Seminars and Workshops relevant to water. Additionally,

awards for innovation in water can be established for promotion and sponsorship of

new innovations by Authorities for trials.


20

20. How do we change consumer behavior regarding water?

Consumer behavior toward water can be changed through public campaigns that

target everyone at home, work, school, university and on public areas. Furthermore,

the organization of exhibitions can be useful to convey messages about water

consumption.

21. What are the best ways to analyze the relative risks of different water demand

management measures?

Best way to analyze relative risks of different water management measures can be

done through literature review of application in other locations and through pilot

scale studies where evaluation is carried on effectiveness and relative risks.

22. What is the practice in residential and industrial water conversation?

Residential and Industrial Water Conservation can be targeted with the use of water

saving plumping fixtures and appliances. Also, public campaign can be used to

promote water conservation or even regulation could enforce the conservation in

water consumption.

23. How can we use technical solutions, novel tariff structures and communication for

consumer engagement to make water metering more effective?

The RSB recommended ADDC to raise water tariff starting from January 2015 to

target reduction in water consumption, as it was measured that water consumption

is much higher than average global water consumption and to control water demand

where water supply resources are limited and expensive.

24. What are the implications of changing household technology for the water industry?

Changing household technology shall expand water industry business with more

projects to modify household water technologies and more business for water

technology manufacturers and suppliers.


21

25. How can researchers improve communication of water research to policy makers,

practitioners, the public and lay audience?

Researchers can improve the communication of water research to Authorities with

open communication channels and through the organization of conferences,

seminars and workshops attended by researcher and authorities.

26. How can policy makers, regulators and practitioners improve the flow of knowledge to

scientists to ensure adequate pre-and post-monitoring of new policies?

Similarly, the Authorities can improve the flow of knowledge to researchers with

open communication channels and through regular updates through website, by

email or through post. Additionally, conference, seminars and workshops could be

useful for authorities to communicate knowledge to researchers.

4. Conclusion and Recommendations:

1. Desalination currently supplies more than 30% of water needs in UAE and Abu

Dhabi. More investment is expected in desalination to match increasing water

demand. Research started in Abu Dhabi that focuses on reducing energy demand

from desalination by using Solar Energy or by using Nuclear Energy.

2. Wastewater Treatment and Reuse is mainly for irrigation sector. The Eastern region

of Abu Dhabi currently recycle more than 97% of TSE for irrigation and the Western

region recycles more than 63% of TSE for irrigation. Central region of Abu Dhabi is

expected to improve the current 40% reuse of TSE for irrigation because of current

ambitious projects such as the STEP Tunnel project and Wathba 1 &2 & Mafraq

Sewage Treatment Plants.

3. Public Awareness campaigns started in 2009 with UAE Heroes Campaign and

currently the Waterwise Initiative by the Regulation and Supervision Bureau to

reduce water consumption in outside and indoor applications.

4. Groundwater recharge is lower than 4% because of increased abstraction and low

annual rainfall. Groundwater recharge with desalinated water in Liwa have been

started in 2010 and expected to be completed in 2017. Groundwater recharge with


22

TSE could be an option if the quality of TSE can be guaranteed not to pollute

groundwater source.

5. Research and Development have focused on Desalination from the points of

prospective of reducing energy demand with using solar energy or even using

nuclear energy. However, more research could be required on areas such as: climate

change, water value economics, possible updates on current water structure, water

balance after 30 years, public perception on water reuse, sharing of water knowledge

& transfer, household water technologies and holistic water management.

5. References:

1. Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company. www.adssc.ae (Visited on 2014).

2. Abu Dhabi Municipality. www.adm.gov.ae (Visited on 01/2015).

3. Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (2013). Our Imitative for Water Conservation.

4. www.adfca.ae (Visited on 01/2015)

5. ADWEA. www.adwea.ae (Visited on 01/2015)

6. Bin Fahad, R (2014). Opening Speech. Conference for Climate Change and Future of Water.

Abu Dhabi, UAE.

7. Borsani, R (2014). Balancing Remineralization to Improve Drinking Water Quality.

International Water Summit, Abu Dhabi. UAE.

8. Brown, L. Mitchell, G. Holden, J. Folkard, A. Wright, N. Beharry-Borg, N. Berry, G.

Brierley, B. Chapman, P. Clarke, S. Cotton, L, Donson, M. Dollar, E. Fletcher, M. Foster, J.

Hanlon, A. Hildon, S. Hiley, P. Hillis, P. Hoseason, J. Johnston, K. Kay, P. McDonald, A.

Parrot, A. Powell, A. Slack, R. Sleigh, A. Spray, C. Tapley, K, Underhill, R and Woulds, C

(2010). Priority Water Research Questions as Determined by UK Practitioners and Policy

Makers. Science of the Total Environment. UK


23

9. Byron, M (2014). If Clouds Hold the key to Fresh Water Supply, How Can We Create More

of Them?. Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

10. Climate Global Control Trading. www.globalclimatetrading.net (Visited on 10/2013)

11. Das, Braja (2006). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. 6th Edition. Cengage Learning.

USA.

12. Dawood, M (2014). Strategies for Sustainable Management for Water Sources in the Emirate

of Abu Dhabi. Conference for Climate Change and Future of Water. Abu Dhabi, UAE.

13. EAD (2009). Abu Dhabi Water Resources Master Plan. EAD, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

14. EAD. Protection of Our Shared Resources (The Appropriate Consumption for Water in

Works). www.ead.gov.ae (Visited on 01/2015).

15. Edwards, E (2014). Turning Wastewater in to a Resource. International Water Summit, Abu

Dhabi. UAE.

16. ElRamahi, M (2014). Working Towards Ensuring a Sustainable Water Future for the UAE.


17. Griffiths, M (2014). Improving water quality and allocation to ensure effective resource

management. International Water Summit, Abu Dhabi. UAE.

18. Haddock, M (2014). Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC). International Water

Summit, Abu Dhabi. UAE.

19. Headley, T (2014). Decentralised Wastewater Management: Opportunities and Challenges

for Re-use. International Water Summit, Abu Dhabi. UAE.


24

20. Jimenez, B. Mara, D, Carr, R, Brissaud, F. Wastewater Treatment for Pathogen Removal and

Nutrient Conservation: Suitable Systems for use in developing countries.

http://web.idrc.ca/en/ev-151734-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html (Visited on 03/2012).

21. Murad, A.(2014) The effect of Climate Change on the Future of Water Resources in UAE.

Conference for Climate Change and Future of Water. Abu Dhabi, UAE.

22. MWH (2005). Water Treatment Principles and Design. John Wiley & Sons.

23. Pearson, S (2014). Working Towards Ensuring a Sustainable Water Future for Arid Regions.


24. Pescod, m (1992). Wastewater Treatment and Use in Agriculture. FAO

25. Regulation and Supervision Buru. www.rsb.gov.ae (Visited on 01/2015)

26. Rechsel, P. Scot, C. Sally, L. Redwood, M. Bahri, A (2010). Wastewater irrigation and

Health: Assessing and Mitigating Risk in Low-Income Countries. IWMI

27. Rodrigwuez, C. Buynder, P. Lugg, R. Blair, P. Devine, B. Cook, A. Weinstein, P (2009).

Indirect Potable Reuse: A Sustainable Water Supply Alternative. International Journal of

Environmental Research and Public Health.

28. Saab, N (2014). Survival Options: Sustainable Water Management in the Arab Region.


29. Salih, W. Salih, A (2012). Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) and Reuse of Wastewater in

Irrigation. 2nd Annual Gulf Wastewater Summit. Dubai, UAE.

30. Saed Agha (2014). Opening Speech 2nd Day. Conference for Climate Change and Future of

Water. Abu Dhabi, UAE.


25

31. UNDP (2013). Water Governance in the Arab Region: Managing Scarcity and Securing the

Future. UNDP. New York, USA.

32. Waterwise website. http://www.waterwise.gov.ae/en/section/about (Visited on 01/2015)

33. ADWEC (2015). Statistical Report 1998-2013. Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Company.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

34. Environment Agency – ABU DHABI (2015). A Water Budget Approach for the Emirate of

Abu Dhabi. Policy Brief. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. UAE

35. Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (2015). Initiatives to Ensure Sustainability of Water

Resources. Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, UAE.

36. National Center of Metrology and Seismology in the UAE. http://www.ncms.ae/en/ (visited

on 01/02/2015).

review of water & water-reuse management in abu...

Documents