Background of the Topic
The supply of potable water has long been an ongoing issue, especially for areas characterized by an arid climate. It is an important element in the growth and development of a region, and the creation of a solution to the given problem could be considered the main priority. For this reason, the countries of the Gulf region devote great attention to the investigation of this issue. The tendency toward rapid growth in the region and the associated increase in population has been laying a foundation for the further deterioration of the water supply and the increased significance of the issue (Water crisis n.d.).
The long-term character of the problem has resulted in numerous investigations of the question aimed at discovering alternative ways to provide countries with freshwater and guarantee appropriate living conditions for the people residing in the area (Muhalhal 2014).
The situation is further complicated by the fact that water resources are also used by the agriculture sector to grow crops needed for the population. Thus, the use of alternative sources of freshwater, along with innovative ways to reuse or desalinate seawater or underground water, has become extremely topical for fast-growing regions characterized by problems with the water supply (Water, Environment, Social and Rural Development Department 2005). Therefore, the paper is focused on investigating the option of using TSE water to irrigate residential yards to save potable water, and possibly collecting stormwater for reuse as another potential solution to the problem mentioned above.
Problem Statement
Delving into the peculiarities of the Gulf region and problematic water supply, several issues need to be raised. First, the demand for water has increased by 140% in the region over the past decade (Houry 2011). This demand is associated with the evolution of industry along with population growth. Second, the state of the water supply remains unchanged. The natural water supply in the area is very poor, and the question of potable water is becoming especially topical (Voss et al. 2013). The states receive scanty rainfall, while the evaporation rates are high, exceeding 300mm per year (Raouf 2009).
Thus, water supply is a significant problem. The needs of a constantly growing population and developing industry should be satisfied to guarantee the further evolution of the region. To solve this problem, different approaches are being adopted and implemented. For instance, the Gulf states currently produce 60% of the world’s desalinated water because of a lack of other water sources (Al-Farra 2015). At the same time, 85% of all groundwater, as well as desalinated water, is devoted to the agricultural sector in the region (AlRukaibi 2010). If the current rate of economic development continues unchanged, the depletion of groundwater reservoirs appears inevitable; already, the first signs of alteration can be discerned (Malek 2015). Considering all these factors, an efficient and innovative solution to this problem should be suggested to guarantee the preservation of the region’s prosperity and high quality of life.
Goals and Aim
In this regard, the main aim of the suggested paper is to investigate the exploration of alternative water sources to decrease the dependence on natural water resources and preclude the depletion of groundwater reservoirs. Therefore, the author emphasizes a focus on researching opportunities for using TSE water in irrigating residential yards as a way to save potable water and the collection of stormwater as another solution. The given aim preconditions the introduction of the following objectives.
First, it is important to determine the possible impact that the suggested approach will have on the problem of the water supply for the Gulf region, its agricultural sector, and people’s needs. Second, it will be necessary to identify opportunities and a comprehensive idea of the potential actions that will be needed to implement the solution mentioned above (Rosenberg 2008). Third, it is vital to determine the potential costs involved in using TSE water in irrigating residential yards, as well as the benefits it might render if implemented. Finally, assessing the theoretical results of the suggested approach’s exploration and the impact, it might have on the state of water resources in the region must be pursued. In general, the paper is focused on a comprehensive investigation of the issue and the effect the suggested solution may have on agriculture and the conservation of potable water.
In this regard, the current state of the water problem in such cities as Dubai (the UAE), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and Manama (Bahrain) will be assessed and used as the background for the research. The possible solution will also be applied to the functioning of these entities.
Methodology
The goals mentioned above precondition the use of a specific methodology that can help investigate the issue. First, a relevant literature review will create a theoretical framework for the discussion. Second, qualitative methods will be used to assess TSE water composition and determine the possible sphere of its use. Third, quantitative tools will be explored to determine the benefits the adoption of the approach will bring to the Gulf region and the water savings that could be achieved. For this reason, using a mixed approach that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods is recommended.
Reference List
Al-Farra, T 2015, Water security in the Gulf region. Web.
AlRukaibi, D 2010, Water resources of GCC countries. Web.
Houry, R 2011, The Gulf countries’ water crisis. Web.
Malek, C 2015, ‘Groundwater at danger level in UAE’, The National. Web.
Muhalhal, M 2014, TSE (Treated sewage effluent) progress. Web.
Raouf, M 2009, Water issues in the Gulf: time for action. Web.
Rosenberg, D 2008, Integrated water management and modeling at multiple spatial levels. Web.
Voss, K, Famiglietti, J, Lo, M, Linage, C, Rodell, M & Swenson, S 2013, ‘Groundwater depletion in the Middle East from GRACE with implications for transboundary water management in the Tigris-Euphrates-Western Iran region‘, Water Resources Research, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 904-914. Web.
Water crisis n.d. Web.
Water, Environment, Social and Rural Development Department 2005, A water sector assessment report on the countries of the cooperation council of the Arab States of the Gulf. Web.