Living in the UAE, I can’t ever imagine a day when I wake up to find that there is no water supply in the house (unless I forgot to pay the bill!). The government commits huge resources to ensuring there is adequate water for all, even though the process of desalination is not at all environmentally friendly. There is, however, little choice but to desalinate, since there is almost no naturally available water. Don’t forget, we’re living in one of the most water stressed regions in the world.
So, things may be just peachy for the general populace here in the UAE but in countless towns, cities & countries around the world there is a growing shortage of water and citizens have to get creative to ensure they have sufficient water for their daily needs. This creativity leads to the development of illegal water markets which in turn leads to higher rates; much higher rates. In Jordan, for example, the cost of tankered water, often sourced illegally, is estimated at 23 times more than piped water (which I hope, at least, leads to better water conservation by the end user) and it is estimated to cost 3-6 times more in carbon emissions. Jordan happens to be the world’s fifth most water scarce country in the world and clearly lacks the infrastructure and available finances to ensure on-demand water supply for the population; a clear disparity with the UAE which is the 7th ranked globally for water stress and yet supplies sufficient water for all. In fact, the entire MENA region is set to suffer extreme water stress by 2050, that’s not far away.
With water in such short supply and in a worsening global situation, shouldn’t we all be far more conscious of the water we waste daily and begin to enhance our water conservation? Every little, or big, step we take helps to alleviate production/storage demand, reduces carbon emissions at scale and helps the marine environment. I know there are some who are already doing what they can but this should be a united effort. In any case, I think it’s a given that the government will soon introduce mandatory savings targets and higher water rates, even if it is considered politically unpleasant.
With the UAE per capita water use standing at around 550 litres per day, what are you doing to help protect and preserve our water supplies? One day there may not be enough for your needs, perhaps even your survival.
Link to article on Jordan’s illegal water traders.
