As the world’s most water-stressed region, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) faces a constant challenge – its most precious resource, freshwater, dwindles as economies flourish.
Due to population growth and economic activity, traditional water sources such as rivers and aquifers face increasing pressure, further exacerbated by pollution from human waste and agricultural and industrial discharges. This creates a vicious cycle in which water scarcity hinders economic growth and worsens water scarcity through pollution.
As the representative of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) for the MENA region, I am acutely aware of these challenges. However, there are innovative solutions emerging, offering a path towards a more sustainable and peaceful future. One such solution involves harnessing treated water, a resource that, unlike traditional freshwater, actually grows alongside a thriving economy.
Also called reclaimed water, treated water is the product of wastewater that has undergone a rigorous purification process to remove contaminants and pathogens, making it suitable for various applications, such as irrigation, landscaping, and aquifer recharge.
The MENA region produces 21.5 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually, but only a small fraction is currently reused. However, the percentage of reused wastewater has been increasing exponentially year after year. This presents a unique opportunity: instead of viewing treated water as a waste product, IWMI sees its potential as a growing source of freshwater for MENA countries that are tapped out.
To unlock treated water’s potential across the region, IWMI researchers are exploring ways to improve treatment technologies, assess economic and environmental benefits, and develop practical guidelines for safe and sustainable implementation, which address technical aspects and social and regulatory frameworks.
More than water security – a source of cooperation
Reclaimed water offers more than just water security. By providing a new, independent source through reuse, we can alleviate pressure on these shared freshwater resources, foster cooperation, and reduce the potential for tensions.
In fact, IWMI actively promotes regional collaboration on reused water management. Imagine a future where MENA countries collaborate on reused water projects. Sharing knowledge and expertise could lead to regional plans, ensuring equitable access. Joint research and development can lead to more efficient and cost-effective treatment technologies, benefiting all participating countries. This type of cooperation can build trust and foster a sense of shared responsibility for water security.
Treated water treatment requires upfront investment, but these pale in comparison to the long-term costs of water scarcity.
IWMI’s commitment goes beyond research and development. We work with policymakers, water utilities, and the private sector to overcome social and regulatory barriers. We build public acceptance around reused water projects by engaging with communities and transparently addressing their concerns, whether related to health or cultural norms. By informing communities about the rigorous treatment procedures and the benefits of reuse, we can overcome misconceptions and build a foundation for collaborative water management.
Reused water is not simply a technical solution; it is a strategic approach to water management that can unlock a more stable and prosperous future for the MENA region.
By harnessing this often-overlooked resource, we can alleviate pressure on freshwater resources, enhance food security, stimulate economic growth, and protect the environment. Through collaborative efforts that address technical, financial, and socio-economic considerations, we can turn reused water into a precious asset, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
By: Dr. Youssef Brouziyne, Regional Representative of IWMI in the MENA Region