Tackling the Water Crisis in the GCC

While it may be daunting, there’s no denying the looming water crisis in the Middle East. Home to around 5% of the world’s population, the MENA region only has access to around 1% of the world’s renewable freshwater resources^[1]. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and some of the highest water consumption rates globally are just a few of the factors speeding up the onset of the imminent water shortage. 

Thankfully, steps are now being taken to tackle the issue head on, with initiatives such as the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 coming into play. In fact, over the past decade, GCC governments have invested USD 76 billion in several large-scale water projects, while a number of wastewater treatment plants have also been set up for irrigating parks, gardens, and landscapes^[2].

But to see any real change, we can’t simply rely on governments to solve the water crisis. Every household, commercial development and organisation must take ownership. 

Here are just a few of the ways we can lower our own water consumption:

1. Smart Irrigation

It wouldn’t be Smart Irrigation Month without paying homage to the array of benefits that come with smart irrigation technologies, products and services. 

Smart irrigation is an irrigation system that considers either the weather or soil conditions to optimise water supply for the particular area in question. While this term is often used to refer to electronic devices that monitor moisture levels, smart irrigation actually extends far beyond this one method. We’re focussing on the wider definition of the term, which refers to all smart practices, smart technologies, and smart businesses. 

First of all, it’s important to establish why smart irrigation is even necessary. You may be shocked to learn that over 50% of the water used in traditional landscape irrigation is wasted due to overwatering^[3]. 

This is where Permavoid, our shallow, geocellular water management system comes into play. These cells can be integrated into plant beds, below the soil surface, as a self-irrigating solution. Our innovative technology allows plants to consume water on a demand-basis, relying entirely on transpiration, with zero energy requirements. By mimicking the natural water cycle, Permavoid delivers the perfect volume of water each day, meaning no water is wasted through evaporation, over-irrigation, or spillages. 

Check out our case study where Permavoid was used as a sustainable self-irrigating solution for Expo 2020 Dubai’s movable tree planters here. 

2. Cyclic Water Management

Wastewater recycling simply refers to the reclamation and treatment of water from a variety of sources that is then reused for beneficial purposes such as agriculture, irrigation, potable water supplies, groundwater replenishment, or industrial processes.

More than just a cost-effective self-irrigation solution, Permavoid, along with our other sustainable water management system, Polystorm, is also an example of an ideal cyclic water management solution. 

Through an innovative source control strategy, Polystorm captures, treats, and stores wastewater to be reused later on. With a 95% void ratio to maximise water capture and retention, the cells have a load bearing capacity of 40 tonnes/m² of water. 

Not only does this reduce flood risk and subsequent property damage by reducing surface runoff, but it also provides a large store of filtered water which can be redirected into storage tanks for repurposing. 

Read our previous blog to learn more about how our sustainable water management systems can benefit you.

Another source of wastewater that is particularly relevant during this time of year is AC condensate. It’s estimated that in dry climates, a single villa’s AC system can generate 1 litre of condensate every day, while large commercial AC units generate a staggering 1,900 litres a day. This figure is even more shocking during the summer months where the high levels of humidity can increase the generation of condensate to around 7,500 litres from commercial buildings on a daily basis^[4]. That’s 2.7 million litres of water produced annually by just one large commercial AC system - more than enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

This water is perfectly viable for reuse. In fact, Ski Dubai in Mall of Emirates is a great example of how to reduce water consumption when it comes to AC units. The venue implemented an efficient energy and water-saving recycling scheme whereby each day, 30-40 tonnes of waste snow is used as chilled water to supply the entire mall’s air-conditioning system. The same water is also used to irrigate the green spaces around the development^[5].

3. Vertical Farming

In a bid to not only reduce water consumption but also improve regional food security, vertical farming is an up-and-coming sustainable alternative to the masses of food imports GCC countries currently rely on. 

With only 1.7% of land in the GCC considered fertile, countries have no option but to import 80-90% of food. Until now!^[6]

Vertical farming refers to the practice of growing fruits, vegetables, and other produce in  vertically stacked tiers in regulated indoor environments with artificial light sources. Since they do not take up as much land as traditional farms, vertical farms can be located close to distribution centres, reducing carbon emissions from transportation, and ensuring freshness. 

Globally, the vertical farming market is set to grow to $6.4 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 24%^[7]. This projected growth, and its potential to mitigate GCC food security challenges, has begun to attract the intention of regional investors such as Dubai-based AgriSecura and Meraas.

Already, we are seeing vertical farms constructed in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with plans also in place to establish operations in Qatar.

Instead of using soil which wastes large quantities of water through evaporation, plants are instead grown in aeroponic, aquaponic, or hydroponic mediums. This, combined with the recycling of any water not used by plants, means that vertical farms use an estimated 95% less water than traditional agriculture.^[8]

These innovations and initiatives represent a greater overall commitment being shown by GCC governments and private sector players to tackling the water shortages that threaten the future prosperity of the region. 

To find out more about how Polypipe Middle East can help you to adopt sustainable water management practices through bespoke, fit-for-purpose solutions, don’t hesitate to contact our  technical team now. 

Tel: +971 (0) 4 518 3000

Email: middleeast@polypipe.com