There is a
possibility that Saudi Arabia may eventually consider using treated wastewater
for potable (drinking) purposes, though it has not yet been implemented.
Several factors could influence this shift, especially in the context of the
country's pressing water scarcity challenges and advancements in water
treatment technology.
Saudi Arabia's
Vision 2030 is pushing for a more sustainable and diversified water supply
strategy, and treated wastewater could be a key pillar in this approach. It is
possible that treated wastewater could complement, or even partially replace,
desalinated water for drinking in the future.
The religious
angle plays a crucial role in the acceptance and use of treated wastewater,
especially in countries like Saudi Arabia where Islamic principles heavily
influence daily life and decision-making processes. In Islam, cleanliness and
purity, especially concerning water, are essential. I’m not sure if the scholars
and religious authorities are part of discussion over the permissibility of
using treated wastewater for various purposes, including drinking while framing
the future water strategies.
Direct potable
reuse (DPR) and indirect potable reuse (IPR) are being adopted in various parts
of the world, like Singapore, Namibia, and parts of the U.S. (e.g., California)
have implemented successful direct and indirect potable reuse programs, where
treated wastewater is purified to drinking water standards. These models could
serve as inspiration for Saudi Arabia to achieve sustainability targets. This
includes maximizing wastewater reuse for non-potable purposes and could
potentially expand to potable use in the future if required.
There are three
reasons which possibly justifies why Treated Wastewater could be an alternative
potable water resource in water scarce regions.
1.
Sustainability: Treated wastewater offers a renewable and more sustainable
water source compared to desalination. As Saudi Araba looks to reduce its
environmental footprint, wastewater potable reuse provides an alternative that
can be less energy intensive.
2. Cost
Efficiency: Treating wastewater can potentially be less expensive than
desalination, especially as treatment technology advances and becomes more
cost-effective.
3. Water
Scarcity: Saudi Arabia’s growing population and rapid urbanization continue to
increase water demand. Treated wastewater could supplement existing sources and
reduce dependence on groundwater and desalinated water.
There are also
certain barriers which doesn’t allow for direct potable reuse.
1. Public
Perception: One of the major hurdles in implementing potable reuse is public
acceptance. The concept of using treated wastewater for drinking often meets
resistance due to the psychological barriers, even when the water is treated to
the highest standards and meet all the drinking water quality parameters.
2. Reliance on
Desalination: Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in desalination infrastructure,
which currently supplies the bulk of the country’s drinking water. While wastewater
reuse is increasing, desalination remains a dominant water source for now. High
energy cost and environmental impact of desalination may push the country
toward more cost-effective and sustainable options like treated wastewater for
potable use in the future.
3. Regulatory
Framework: The country would need to develop and implement robust regulatory
frameworks to govern potable reuse. This includes setting stringent water
quality standards, continuous monitoring, and ensuring compliance with
international best practices for public health and safety.
Conclusion
While there is
no news for direct potable reuse yet in Saudi Arabia, I presume Saudi Arabia would
be working in research and development, pilot projects exploring the
feasibility of such initiatives. The country’s Ministry of Environment, Water
and Agriculture (MEWA), National Water Company (NWC) and the Saline Water
Conversion Corporation (SWCC) and other research institutions are involved in
water management, developing new strategies for integrated water management,
which could include possibly potable reuse in the future.
Although Saudi
Arabia has not yet moved towards direct potable reuse of treated wastewater, it
remains a viable long-term option as water scarcity intensifies. Advances in
treatment technology, combined with the need to optimize water resources under
Vision 2030, make it likely that the Kingdom could consider this approach in
the future.
For now, Saudi
Arabia’s primary focus remains on non-potable reuse, but with proper
infrastructure, public awareness, and regulatory frameworks in place, potable
reuse could be a key strategy to ensure water security in the years to come.
While there may
be initial hesitation due to the association of wastewater with impurity,
Islam's flexibility and focus on public welfare provide room for the acceptance
of treated wastewater. Religious rulings and public education efforts can help
bridge the gap between technology and cultural acceptance, making treated
wastewater a potential solution that aligns with Islamic values of purity and
resource stewardship.
This topic came
to mind as I was reflecting on the growing challenges of water scarcity,
particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia. With the increasing focus on
sustainability and innovative water solutions, I began thinking about the
potential of treated wastewater as a viable alternative to traditional water
sources. It sparked my curiosity, and I felt compelled to explore and share my
thoughts on this emerging possibility.
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