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Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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:
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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 %
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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).
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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.
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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.
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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.
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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).
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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.
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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?
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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,
Review of Water and Water Reuse Management in Abu Dhabi Abdelgadir Salih/ KN International Architects & Engineers/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE Working Paper
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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