Conserving Water Quantity and Quality

5.2.3.1 Definition

This principle advocates water conservation by matching water quality with different uses (see Section 2.3.3). Since potable water of high quality is not easily available in nature, it is paramount to balance investments so that activities that require low-quality water have sufficient supply while the more expensive potable water is available at a reasonable cost (Brooks & Brandes, 2011).

5.2.3.2 Discussion of the Interviewee Responses

The criteria for ‘Conserving Water Quantity and Quality’ principle are the creation of cascading water systems (that is water recycling and the utilisation of wastewater as an input for another use), and the development and implementation of standards for conservation of water quality and quantity (Brooks & Brandes, 2011). The interviews in connection to this principle and criteria, revealed the following themes: (a) Implementation of cascading water systems, and (b) Water quality standards.

(a) Implementation of cascading water systems

Cascading water systems primarily imply regular high-quality treatment of wastewater and its consequent utilisation as an input for another use. In other words, the given system establishes a cycle of production, utilisation, wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse (Brooks & Brandes, 2011). When asked about the implementation of cascading systems in Abu Dhabi, as well as their efficacy, Interviewees 1, 2, and 5 stated that, currently water cascading is not sufficiently used; yet the efforts towards the achievement of better outcomes are being

100 undertaken. For example, treated wastewater should be used primarily for industrial cooling activities and landscaping, and the volume of treated wastewater use for landscaping continues to increase (Interviewee 5 & 2). The same idea was expressed by Interviewee 6 who, however, noted the absence of a standard for district cooling. They also opined that in spite of some regulations encouraging the utilisation of treated wastewater in district cooling activities, it remains impossible due to various network deficiencies.

Interviewee 3 mentioned the network/infrastructure deficiency for collecting and distributing treated wastewater in irrigation as well that fails to prevent the use of potable water for irrigation. Interviewee 5 stated that nearly 505 MIG (230 million m3_{) of desalinated water was utilised in agriculture, and expressed concern that the}

quality of this resource is rather high to be used for irrigation. Interviewee 2 considers that treated wastewater should be used instead, although even it sometimes has high salinity, which could affect the crops under irrigation. Interviewees 4 & 7, however, were not aware of water cascading in Abu Dhabi.

(b)Water quality standards

The main aspect related to conserving the quality and quantity of water involves water quality standards, which are essential because they form the framework upon which water quality is matched with water uses. All the Interviewees agreed that water quality regulations have been implemented in Abu Dhabi. For example, Interviewee 3 noted that the water used for domestic purposes in Abu Dhabi is supposed to be wholesome as per the Water Quality Regulations issued by the Regulation and Supervision Bureau (2014). The objective of Water Quality Regulations as highlighted by Interviewees 2 & 3 is to promote public health

101 by ensuring that water quality matches use. They stated that the regulations are intended to ensure that all the water supplied for such uses as food production, drinking, cooking or washing does not contain elements or substances that would pose a threat to public health.

5.2.3.3 Authenticating the Interviewees’ Claims

In this section, the literature that supports their observations with regard to the themes identified in the discussion part is provided.

(a) Implementation of cascading water systems

The claims by Interviewee 5 that desalinated water is used for irrigation in Abu Dhabi contrasts with the findings by the Masdar Institute that irrigation is primarilydone using treated wastewater (Azar & Raouf, 2017). At the same time, the claim by Interviewees 5 & 2 that wastewater is increasingly being used for landscaping is well supported by the literature. The wastewater treatment and disposal sector has also promoted the use of wastewater in agricultural activities. For example, 51% of the total volume of treated water in 2015 was channeled towards irrigating green areas (Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, 2017).

Currently, the sustainability standards and regulations in Abu Dhabi, such as the Recycled Water and Biosolids Regulations, control the quality of treated wastewater utilized for irrigation and landscaping. Nevertheless, although the UPC aims to promote ecological sustainability through the efficient and increased use of treated wastewater (UPC, 2011), currently no law forbids the use of water from other resource in agriculture, district cooling, and landscaping. The Regulation &

102 Supervision Bureau (2016) states that the development of the framework for regulating district cooling is in progress.

(b)Water quality standards

The RSB website provides information on the standards expected of water for food production, drinking, cooking and washing.

Additionally, Recycled Water and Biosolids Regulations, discussed in the previous section, aim to control the quality and quantity of treated wastewater production (Regulation and Supervision Bureau, 2010). Overall, all these regulations are consistent with the RSB’s mission “to regulate and supervise the delivery of a safe, efficient and economic water, wastewater and electricity sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi” (Regulation and Supervision Bureau, 2015, para. 1). They are aimed at matching the quality of resources with their purposes, which helps in minimising potential harm to public health and the environment.

5.2.3.4 Analysis of Relationships between the Criteria and Interviewee Claims

The purpose of this section is to evaluate the consistency of the interview findings with the principle of conserving water quality and quantity and to assess the major outcomes associated with ‘cascading water systems’, and the ‘development and implementation of standards for conservation of water quality and quantity’.

(a) Implementation of cascading water systems

Considering that the risk of groundwater source depletion is extremely high in the region, there is a need to increase sustainable utilization of treated wastewater, targeting current irrigation and district cooling needs. According to interviewees 1, 2,

103 and 5, the current water cascading is not enough, and efforts undertaken are not enough in bringing the expected outcomes. Moreover, as mentioned by interviewee 3 the network/infrastructure deficiency fails to prevent use of portable water for irrigation.

Conserving Water Quantity and Quality is through creation of cascading water systems (that is water recycling and the utilization of wastewater as an input for another use), and the development and implementation of standards for conservation of water quality and quantity (Brooks & Brandes, 2011).

(b)Water quality standards

The production of potable water in Abu Dhabi is consistent with the Water Quality Regulations introduced by RSB. All the Interviewees agreed that water quality regulations have been implemented in Abu Dhabi. For example, Interviewee 3 noted that the water used for domestic purposes in Abu Dhabi is supposed to be wholesome as per the Water Quality Regulations issued by the Regulation and Supervision Bureau (2014). Currently, the sustainability standards and regulations in Abu Dhabi, such as the Recycled Water and Biosolids Regulations, control the quality of treated wastewater utilized for irrigation and landscaping (UPC, 2011). Table 5.3 summarizes the essential criteria of the principles, current condition and gaps of conserving water quality and quantity.

104 Table 5.3: Conserving Water Quality and Quantity: Criteria, Current Condition, and

Gaps

Essential Criteria of the Principle Current Condition in AD Water Management Relevant to the Criteria

Gaps in the Application of the Criteria

1. Creation of cascading water systems (utilization of wastewater as an input for another use).

- Compliance

with Water Qualsity Regulations.

- Need for more

investment in the creation of cascading systems for re-use of treated wastewater and increase cost-efficiency and sustainability of water distribution.

- Necessity to improve the network/infrastructure for collection and distribution of wastewater to ensure reliable facility as a part of cascading water systems. 2. Development and implementation of standards for conservation of water quality and quantity. - Recycled Water and Biosolids Regulations control the quality of treated wastewater. - Use of native drought-tolerant tree and grass species in landscaping.

- Identified regulations do not impose strict

restrictions on the use of groundwater and

desalinated water for irrigation, district

cooling, and landscaping.

- Need for finding out suitable locations and assign for plantations with objective of more ground water

conservation.

Source: Column 1 is based on the discussion in the earlier section according to Thesis and Brooks & Brandes, 2011; Column 2 is based on the interviews and subsequent review of literature; Column 3 is prepared by the Author by comparing the criteria in Column 1 and the current condition in AD highlighted in Column 2.

105