Abu Dhabi launches new policy on recycled water
ABU DHABI, June 29, 2019
Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has announced the launch of a ‘Recycled Water Policy,’ that will 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 cooperation with the Treated Wastewater Reuse Committee, the ‘Recycled Water Policy’ reinforces its role in ensuring sustainable supplies of recycled water through the distribution companies, said a statement from the DoE.
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, it stated.
Addessing the gathering, Mohamed Bin Jarsh Al Falasi, the undersecretary of the DoE in Abu Dhabi, said: "The Recycled Water Policy underscores DoE’s recognition of water as a strategic resource and its understanding that water security is an integral part of the sustainable water security."
"There is an urgent need to develop an integrated policy to manage all water resources in the emirate, including recycled water," he stated.
"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," noted Al Falasi.
"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 also includes the development and implementation of security and safety plans to protect public health, environment and water quality across all delivery and distribution points, as per DoE’s instructions.
It sets an effective mechanism for water quality regular control and establishes an efficient reporting system to provide timely and accurate information.
As per the policy, distribution companies are responsible for studying all requests to use recycled water for non-drinking purposes and determining the quality and quantity of water for each intended purpose, taking into consideration water quantities obtained from sources and the actual needs of each entity, said the statement.
The policy invites entities to take part in DoE’s initiatives to facilitate communication between recycled water producers and end-users, determines responsibilities and rights of each entity and ensures realising and meeting their needs, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
