Regional Priorities & Action Plans for Wastewater Reuse & Management in the Arab Region

Dr. Abdullah Arar, Land and Water Development Consultant


Abstract
The Arab region is arid to semi arid and hence water resources are scarce. In this respect it is considered one of the poorest regions in the world: The per capita share is about 1060 Cubic Meter per year while the global average is about 7000CM. Several countries in the region whose per capita is less than 500CM. In an effort to augment the conventional water supply many countries have adopted a policy to consider the wastewater as integral part of the countries water resources. It is estimated that the potential production of wastewater in 16 Arab Countries amounted to about 6000 Million CM and 4250 million CM are treated but only 1030 Million CM (24.4% of the treated) only used. Cost is the major constraints for collection and treatment and hence priority should be given to APPROPRIATE LOW COST wastewater treatment facilities to SOPHOISTICATED and costly methods. Treatment should be related to the eventual use of the effluent and it is the most common used in the Arab countries for irrigation and not for environmental protection. Also guide lines for the quality of the effluent should neither be restrictive nor linnet in order to expand water reuse without compromising health and the environment. For successful reuse projects adequate legislation dealing with site selection, treatment and distribution systems as well as with the responsibilities of the reuse should be established together with coordination between concerned government agencies should be established. Public participation should be involved from the early stages of planning to the reuse. The reuse irrigation projects must include for the setting up of Water User Association and Framers training program. Other issues including research and exchange of information via the establishment of a Regional Network on Waste Water Management and reuse.