RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: BALANCING LIMITED WATER RESOURCES WITH URBAN EXPANSION

摘要

Managing and protecting water resources in water-scarce regions requires creative considerationrnof all available resources, from conservation of potable water supplies to reuse of treated sewagerneffluent. Managing these resources is particularly challenging during periods of growth, whenrndevelopment pressures can increase demands on already depleted water resources. Governmentrnauthorities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, have successfully implemented policies andrnstrategies that protect and enhance local water resources, even during periods of rapid growth.rnThese efforts have included work by both the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)rnand Dubai Municipality. DEWA has dedicated itself to ensuring that an adequate potable waterrnsupply is available to the people of Dubai. This includes development of new desalinationrnfacilities as well as the reduction of losses throughout its distribution network. DubairnMunicipality has focused on efforts to protect the health and safety of residents and thernenvironment through its sewage collection, treatment, and reuse facilities. Dubai Municipality isrnimplementing a water resource strategy to maximize the use of treated sewage effluent throughrnexpansion of available irrigation supplies, recharge of depleted aquifers, and a resultant reductionrnin nonpotable demands on the potable water supply.