Introduction
One of the problems that hinder sustainable development in countries is the lack of renewable water resources. The problem of water shortage in the region has already reached an alarming level. Proper actions should be implemented to sustain and preserve the limited available water recourses in the region.
The problem, its causes and possible consequences
Ground-water depletion is primarily caused by sustained ground-water pumping.
Some of the negative effects of ground-water depletion include increased pumping costs, deterioration of water quality, reduction of water in streams and lakes, or land subsidence. Such effects, while variable, happen to some degree with any ground-water use. As with other natural resources, society must weigh the benefits against the consequences of such use. Environmental manifestations include wide spread destruction of vegetation and natural habitats, erosion of uplands and watersheds, over-exploited and damaged aquifers, salinization of streams and groundwater, desertification of semiarid areas, and in particular, depletion and pollution of limited water resources.Preservation of the environment and resource base are essential for sustainable development. The protection, enhancement, and restoration of water quality and the abatement of water pollution are faced with many countries in the region. To meet the challenge, exchange of technical ideas and experiences among scientists in the Middle East and North Africa countries, with the participation of water specialists from developed countries, is of great importance for future collaboration. The protection, enhancement, and restoration of water quality of water pollution are faced with many countries in the region. The arid climate of the country plays a significant role in the water resources availability. Rainfall which is a main source of recharge for different water resources such as surface water and groundwater. Water vapor from desalination plants is cooled down by sea water for condensation and is then passed through processes to add useful minerals and carbonates.Evaporation, which reduces the amount of surface water, is high. Heavy pumping of groundwater has deteriorated groundwater levels. Desalination plants have been launched in different parts of the country to meet increasing water demands due to increasing population and economical development in the country. The continued reduction of water storage will hinder the development in the country. To avoid this problem, integrated water resources management (IWRM) strategy should be implemented. Recycling of water and artificial recharge of ground water by surface water and treated wastewater should be considered at a larger scale.
Reducing the problem
Local and national government
The Ministry of Environment and Water has taken major actions to promote the sustainability of the precious groundwater resources. A total of about 115 dams have already been constructed, most of the dams are located in the Northern Emirates. Rainfall events may generate considerable surface water runoff in the main Wadis. This surface water is intercepted to enhance the groundwater recharge. A large number of monitoring wells have been installed within the vicinity of recharge dams to assess their efficiency. As part of achieving sustainable development of water resources, the ministry has completed the building of dams and barriers at the Wadis across the country. Maintenance of springs and streams are also progressing as planned with an aim of increasing the capacity of feeding aquifers with fresh water. The country has also built several desalination plants to provide over 1.3billion cubic metres of clean water per year to meet various needs of the population. The country, in collaboration with the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture, is also actively pursuing agricultural methods using saline water as part of its overall strategy of sustainability. The ministry's strategy includes initiatives focusing on environmental security and the development of natural resources to promote sustainable development. The initiatives include environmental inspection, issuance of certificates recognizing environmental performance and fines for violating environmental guidelines. The ministry will also develop global standards for environmental protection as well as agricultural and veterinary quarantine measures to ensure rural communities are protected from the spread of diseases. One of the initiatives is an environmental database which will be developed through research and statistical surveys and comprehensive analysis of commercial activities. The database will include information about the economic impact on the environment as well as the sustainability of natural resources, primarily water and soil. The ministry will focus on reducing the use of groundwater and shift its focus to alternative sources such as desalination. Also, the ministry will increase its groundwater surveillance network to build more wells and increase the number of observation networks and complete the building of freshwater ducts. The Ministry of Environment and Water has focused its 2008 - 2010 strategic plan on restraining groundwater depletion and developing the alternative resources by applying the integrated management in coordination with its partners.
The Ministry of Water and Environment is currently developing 270 initiatives in the following categories: environment water, agricultural sector and fish resources.
Organizations
There are five main institutions involved in water resources management:
The Ministry of Electricity and Water is responsible for the drinking water supply, which includes well drilling, the installation and operation of desalination plants, the operation and maintenance of well fields, water supply, and planning. The General Water Resources Authority is the federal authority responsible for water management and coordination between the other agencies. It is also responsible for formulating the rules and regulations for matters relating to water in the country, including the registration of the water well drilling companies and licenses for drilling. Local government water departments and authorities especially in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are independently responsible for the supply of drinking water and all water affairs in their respective emirates. The Federal Environmental Agency has the power to control and regulate water pollution. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is responsible for the development and management of the agricultural water supply. The water and soil department of the Ministry is in charge of promoting irrigated agriculture and for the planning, investigation, and management of groundwater resources, the investigation of quality and salinization of soil due to irrigation, the construction of dams for flood control and groundwater recharge, the operation, and maintenance of the hydro-meteorological network, the operation of laboratories, designing of the irrigation networks, etc.
Private individuals
In homes individuals are held responsible to regulate their daily use of water. The UAE is listed as one of the top countries faced with problems of water depletion. For instance, the sprinkler for gardening in homes and for swimming pools water should be regulated. Water that is wasted in homes and also in car washing is also important not to use too much of the water because it is valuable and we should reduce the huge amounts of water wasted. In water treatment and development, the ministry will seek to develop UAE Nationals' skills in addition to creating awareness of rational water use.
Conclusion
In my opinion I believe the best method to reduce water depletion is to develop public awareness among the people of UAE and other GCC countries on the importance of water conservation and protection.
Bibliography
http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/EAD_warns_against_depletion_of_Abu_Dhabis_water_resources_within_next_50_years/34877.htm
http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/World_Water_Day_message_Bin_Fahd_calls_on_every_household_to_avoid_extravagance_in_the_use_of_water/40214.htm
Ouazar, Driss. "Middle East and North Africa Water Resources Consortium." Web.
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