DoE launches recycled water policy to fulfil future needs

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has launched a “Recycled Water Policy” to ensure optimal use of recycled water in the emirate.

Announced during a workshop held by DoE, which was attended by all concerned parties, the policy supports efforts to preserve Abu Dhabi’s water resources, including drinking and underground water, in order to meet the future needs of all sectors.

Developed in co-operation with the Treated Wastewater Reuse Committee, the “Recycled Water Policy” reinforces DoE’s role in ensuring sustainable supplies of recycled water through the distribution companies. This is aligned with the total capacity of wastewater treatment plants owned by Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) and other operators licenced by DoE.

The policy promotes DoE’s efforts to develop a water management strategy to ensure efficient management and preservation of water resources in the UAE capital.

Mohamed Bin Jarsh Al Falasi, Undersecretary of the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, said: “There is an urgent need to develop an integrated policy to manage all water resources in the emirate, including recycled water. Our Recycled Water Policy is aligned with the objectives of UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 to ensure sustainable and continued access to water at all times and under any circumstances and to secure an adequate water supply for residential, commercial, governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses.”

“We are dedicated to using the latest water recycling technology to make best use of water that would otherwise be wasted – this is a quantum leap in terms of water supply reserves that helps reduce reliance on water desalination and groundwater in Abu Dhabi,” he added.

The new policy is applicable to all sectors and activities involving recycled water research studies and recycled water distribution across Abu Dhabi.

It will be implemented by DoE, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, Al Ain Distribution Company, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company and the independent sewage treatment plants.

The Recycled Water Policy obligates the relevant entities to comply with the requirements, terms and conditions of purchasing, transmitting, distributing, supplying and storing recycled water in an efficient, safe, and economic way.

It provides general frameworks for the development of purchase and supply contracts for all supply points - this includes all users and suppliers using recycled water based on the approved tariff.

The policy also sets the perspective for a comprehensive economic value of recycled water in the long term and how to explore and open new markets to use recycled water and by-products of wastewater treatment.

The Recycled Water Policy provides constant support for a continuous improvement approach, the treatment, use, or promotion of recycled water as an alternative water resource in the emirate.

Meanwhile, WAM reported that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has unveiled its plans to build 5 new 400 kilovolt (kV) substations over the next three years, with an allocated budget of Dhs2.2 billion.

The five substations will be added to the total number of existing 22 stations. DEWA is working in adherence with its strategy to increase the efficiency of electricity services to support its facilities and future objectives, to raise the efficiency and reliability of its infrastructure, and contribute to economic growth and the prosperity of the emirate.

“In adherence with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and DEWA’s vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation, we work to raise the capacity and efficiency of electricity grids, by developing world-class infrastructure to contribute to the sustainable development of the emirate,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. Recently, Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, headed the UAE delegation participating in the 11th Arab Ministerial water Council.

The meeting of the council was also attended by other Arab ministers of water resources and irrigation, along with Mazen Ghoneim, Head of the water Authority of Palestine, who chaired the meeting.