THE MAGAZINE FOR THE DRAINAGE, WATER & WASTEWATER INDUSTRIES
WATER PAGES
systems and administrative errors contribute to apparent losses.
• Climate change: the climate in the region is arid and/or semi-arid. 43% of the territory is desert and, as temperatures rise, there is also an increased likelihood of extreme rainfall which, in turn, leads to flooding.
• Demographics and migratory movements: population growth and migratory movements, fueled by conflicts and the search for better living conditions, are increasing the demand for water, which is further compounding water resource management. According to UNICEF, 11 of the 17 countries at extreme risk of water scarcity are in the Middle East and North Africa. Moreover, the population of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman - is expected to increase by 14 million in 2050.
• Overexploitation of aquifers: excessive groundwater extraction has depleted aquifers, shrinking water availability and aggravating the risk of saline intrusion in coastal areas.
Potential solutions to improve the situation
Addressing the issue of NRW in the Middle East requires, according to Idrica, a multi-faceted approach involving both technological improvements as well as administrative and legal reforms.
1.Modernizing infrastructure
-Investment to renovate and maintain water distribution networks to reduce leakage.
-Implementation of advanced technologies such as sensors and real- time monitoring systems to detect and repair leaks efficiently.
2.Upgrading metering systems
-Replacement of old meters with smart meters that provide accurate, real-time data
-Training staff in modern water management and monitoring techniques.
3.Administrative and legal reforms -Strengthening laws and regulations to
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combat illegal connections and fraudulent practices.
-Implementation of awareness programs to educate the population on the importance of water conservation and the impact of NRW.
4. Digital transformation
-Digitalization is key to improving efficiency and sustainability in water management. Digital transformation in water utilities offers innovative solutions for smart management and monitoring of the resource, enabling better understanding of consumption patterns, early leak detection and water distribution optimization. According to Christian Pérez, improved water management "depends on a combination of software and analytics, together with strategic visualization, analysis and optimization of data flows."
-The management of big data is another key aspect of digital transformation in Middle East water utilities. The collection of mass data from different sources, such as sensors, meters and geographic information systems (GIS), provides a holistic view of the water situation in the region. According to the expert, "digital tools, such as big data analytics and digital twins, provide support for informed decision-making and system optimization. In addition, they help with integrated water resource management, thus boosting customer engagement and ensuring regulatory compliance.
-The use of technologies such as
machine learning, artificial intelligence and IoT is an opportunity to boost the hydraulic efficiency of irrigation networks in an area where there is already a high risk of water shortage, as previously mentioned. Irrigation can be optimized with the best frequencies and amounts of water, assets can be remotely controlled, and alarms can be received in the event of leaks or problems in the network by using soil moisture and meteorological sensors, and the subsequent unification of data models.
-Platforms such as Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua are examples of tools that facilitate the digital transformation of water utilities in the region. These platforms integrate and analyze real- time data to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. These platforms enable water utilities to significantly reduce non-revenue water losses by detecting leaks early, optimizing water pressure, and improving overall system efficiency.
Non-revenue water is a critical challenge in the Middle East, where efficient water management is vital for sustainable development. Digital transformation represents an excellent opportunity to address these challenges and ensure a more sustainable water supply for the future. The deployment of platforms such as Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua can make a significant difference in reducing NRW and improving water management in the region.
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