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Meeting the future water needs of the Middle East, one of the most water-deprived regions on the planet, will become increasingly difficult as population and infrastructure continue to boom as Gulf states emerge from recession.

A staggering US$200 billion is thought to be required by the year 2025 in both water infrastructure and waste water treatment systems if the region is stand any chance of meeting demand. Adaptation of integrated water resources management, public-private partnerships and placement of national policies - both in the short and long term - is of vital importance considering that the current situation is far from sustainable.

Water doesn't come cheap and this is now considered one of the most concerning issues, making water pricing a critical requirement. Thanks to a sharp rise in demand, regional governments can no longer afford to subsidize the high cost of water.

A sustainable approach to water management

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi - Environmental Stewardship Expert - highlighted some of these key issues during a recent television interview:

"Water demand in the Middle East region is on the rise and (major) investment is needed. Considering we live in one of the world's driest areas, water represents a challenge to the development and sustainability of the region's economies.

"As for waste water, it can contribute to reduce the water deficit if utilized properly. Both water and waste water have a direct impact on the environment and human health in the region. A more sustainable approach to water management is needed through the adaptations of an integrated water resources management approach."

All the investment that flows into the Middle East from foreign lands to construct all the ambitious construction projects may have to be redirected to help replenish the supplies of water these very projects are helping to destroy.

The issue of meeting the Middle East's growing water demands will be addressed at this year's WaterTech 2010 regional water and waste summit in May. According to the web site, WaterTech will address "key water resource and water demand management issues in the Middle East, including an in-depth look at waste water treatment and reuse which is now a key priority for regional governments."

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Daniel Jones

Daniel is a Politics and Philosophy graduate from Cardiff University where he also worked as a section editor on the award winning student newspaper. After university he joined an IT support company where he was a B2B online writer. He loves anything to do with sport and joined GDS in July 2009.