Abu Dhabi’s total consumption of water resources reached up to 3.3 billion cubic metres in 2011 and it is expected that the demand for water will increase for up to about 5 billion cubic metres by 2030, officials said on Tuesday.

 

The current usage of groundwater reservoirs is about 15 times more than the natural recharge rates. With the increase of population from 212,000 in 1975 to more than 2 million by 2011, demand for fresh water has also increased and the emirate bears the high cost of seawater desalination.

 

This has prompted the emirate to frame the Water Resources Management Strategy in line with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 2030 Plan. The purpose of the new strategy is to reduce the pressure on water sources in the emirate, to improve the standard of living, and to promote economic growth.

 

The strategy, providing a five year road map for the efficient management and conservation of water resources, was unveiled on Tuesday at the International Water Summit.

 

It aims to minimise the impact of water production, transmission and distribution on climate, air soil and marine water quality. The strategy also aims to ensure efficient indoor and outdoor consumption of all types of water in all sectors, including buildings, industries, agriculture, amenities and forestry.