Capital's water demand to increase by 43%

By Wam Published: 2008-08-23T20:00:00+04:00
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Demand for water in Abu Dhabi will grow by 43 per cent in the next five years, while the demand for electricity will almost double in this period, according to projections made by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea).

In the absence of adequate resources of ground water or flowing rivers, the emirate depends largely on desalination of the sea water for sanitation. Desalinated water constitutes the major source for drinking water, agricultural and industrial needs.

Adwea has evolved a five-year strategy to produce 969 million gallons of water per day, virtually doubling the present capacity of a number of desalination plants scattered across the emirate.

Currently the Umm Al Nar desalination plant produces 165m gallons, the Taweelah plant 231 gallons, Al Marfa plant 39m gallons, Al Shuweihat plant 101m gallons and Al Fujeirah plant 90m gallons per day.

The Abu Dhabi Distribution Company is the distribution arm responsible for water and power supply in the emirate.

The two entities have forged a strong partnership to cope up with the growing demands in the light of the economic revival in the emirate.

The Abu Dhabi Distribution Company is constantly upgrading its networks to keep pace with the ongoing expansion of townships in the emirate.

During the past few years, the company has completed distribution networks in 40 various projects, which included new townships, development of islands, workers' residential complexes and industrial sites.

Adwea abide by the principles of sustainability in its strategy and expansion projects. Recently Adwea participated in the celebrations of World Water Day observed under the theme of sanitation, and upheld the principle of sustainability.

UAE is participating in the Expo Zaragoza 2008 currently being held in Spain under the theme 'Water and Sustainability'.

UAE's efforts in managing water resources have been continuously hailed by world countries.