Infodoc : Sciences, Techniques et Culture

Arab nations have historically played a lead role in the development of innovative water solutions with noteworthy achievements including global leadership in desalination, dam infrastructure and drip irrigation. Nonetheless, the challenge of optimizing water management remains an important priority across the Arab world. Until recently, planned wastewater management In the Arab Region focused on the conventional objectives of protecting public health and the environment. Pervasive Water scarcity, urbanization and the increasingly obvious impacts of climate change however led to a shift in local perceptions of the importance of properly capturing and using reclaimed water. Today, water reuse is regarded by most Arab nations to have great potential in significantly increasing available[...]

Arab nations have historically played a lead role in the development of innovative water solutions with noteworthy achievements including global leadership in desalination, dam infrastructure and drip irrigation. Nonetheless, the challenge of optimizing water management remains an important priority across the Arab world. Until recently, planned wastewater management In the Arab Region focused on the conventional objectives of protecting public health and the environment. Pervasive Water scarcity, urbanization and the increasingly obvious impacts of climate change however led to a shift in local perceptions of the importance of properly capturing and using reclaimed water. Today, water reuse is regarded by most Arab nations to have great potential in significantly increasing available water resources. Arab states currently produce an estimated 10.8 km /year of wastewater, of which approximately 55% and 15% are reported to be respectively treated and reused in agriculture, landscape irrigation, industrial cooling and environmental protection. In some countries, water reuse in groundwater recharge is further used to protect freshwater. In May 2011, the Arab Water Council, International Center For Biosaline Agriculture And Islamic Development Bank Convened the “Expert Consultation Meeting on Wastewater Management In the Arab World”. The objective of the meeting was to better quantify the status and lessons learned on water reuse in the Arab world.