Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has launched a delivery plan in order to provide recycled water to over 1,600 farms in the emirate.
The plan will be implemented in association with TAQA, the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Distribution Company, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company, and its strategic partners, the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
Abu Dhabi’s plan to increase the use of recycled water in agriculture is consistent with its overall sustainability objectives because it can be applied to a variety of development sectors, including agriculture, and is one of the crucial and essential ways to lessen the strain on groundwater resources. By doing this, agricultural production will be sustained, and the loss of natural water resources will be minimized.
TAQA and its subsidiaries have constructed the pipelines, which will distribute approximately 150,000 cubic meters per day to farms in the Al Khatam, Khazna, and Nahda areas to meet their recycled water needs at a rate of 73 cubic meters per day for each farm, equivalent to 16,500 gallons of water.
The plan involves using recycled water in agriculture. This initiative will save significant amounts of groundwater. Specifically, it aims to eliminate the pumping of groundwater from around 4,850 wells in the Khatam and Khazna areas. This strategy contributes to conserving non-renewable water resources. Its goal is to achieve optimal utilization of water resources and promote sustainability in Abu Dhabi’s agricultural sector.
The project aligns with the objectives of the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. The strategy aims to reduce water consumption by 21 percent and decrease the water scarcity index by three degrees. Further, it seeks to increase the reuse of treated water to 95 percent. These measures aim to ensure the sustainability and continuity of securing water supplies for residential, commercial, government, industrial, and agricultural uses.
It also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s recycled water policy. This policy aims to maximize the use of recycled water. Additionally, it contributes to rationalizing groundwater use in agriculture. Moreover, it strives to achieve integrated management and sustainable development of available water resources.