Sustainability
“UAE is the third largest consumer of water in the world” (reference available at UAE Interact.com). Only the United States and Canada consume more water per capita. With water being consumed at a daily rate of nearly 550 liters per person in a region that receives less than 1cm of rain per year- management and reuse of wastewater is a critical component to Abu Dhabi’s long-term sustainability. The ADSSC has taken measures to ensure the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Ruler of Abu Dhabi as first set forth by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in the 1970’s as well as those identified in the recent Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, are met.
Abu Dhabi already has one of the fastest growing populations and economies in the world – while existing wastewater treatment facilities are running at 150% capacity. It is projected that the population of Abu Dhabi will reach 1 million by the end of 2009 and 1.3 million by 2013, thus burdening wastewater needs even further. This is why it is critical for the ADSSC to take the steps now to ensure the wastewater infrastructure needs are met now and long into the future.