SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The 2024 Yale Environmental Performance Index (EPI) has identified the UAE as a key leader in sustainable water management, securing the top spot in wastewater treatment and reuse in the region.
The EPI offers a comprehensive review of global sustainability efforts based on a data-driven summary, evaluating 180 countries on 58 indicators across 11 environmental issues.
The UAE with a score of 91.2, ranked first in the Greater Middle East for water resources on regional rankings.
Globally, it is ranked fourth in the water resources category, following Luxembourg, Singapore, and the Netherlands.
The index measures progress in climate change mitigation, environmental health improvement, and ecosystem vitality protection, providing a scorecard to gauge proximity to environmental policy targets.
In addition, it aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Responding to the achievement, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company (SWS) reaffirmed their support for the nation's commitment to water security through innovative solutions and ongoing efforts in sustainable water management.
Based in Abu Dhabi, SWS pursues sustainable water solutions to enhance the quality of life and support sustainable economic development.
As part of Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), SWS Holding contributes to the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy by managing wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse to alleviate pressure on natural water resources.
Established in June 2005, the company underwent a rebranding in 2023 to become SWS, as initiated by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
It has outlined a strategic growth plan aligned with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, aiming to develop a dynamic economy and enhance Abu Dhabi's international reputation In 2023, SWS achieved a 100% treatment rate for wastewater and an 80% reuse rate for treated wastewater across its operating communities, using it for agricultural irrigation, industrial purposes, and potentially as drinking water.
By periodically testing salinity levels at pumping stations, the company ensures quality control while also working on new projects to cater to Abu Dhabi's expanding sanitation requirements.
Water resources are vital for sustaining life, ecosystems, and essential services, yet the agricultural sector's increasing demand and pollution exacerbate water scarcity, affecting over half of the world's population, according to the report.
This issue is expected to worsen with climate change and population growth.
To address these challenges, the EPI highlighted the necessity of expanding wastewater treatment and reuse infrastructure to mitigate environmental impacts and support a resilient ecosystem.
According to the EPI, the UAE and other Gulf countries are employing wastewater reuse to address water scarcity resulting from population growth and agricultural development.
As desalination has drawbacks like high energy use and harmful brine byproducts, the UAE has focussed on reusing wastewater for agriculture, industry, and groundwater aquifer recharge, the report said.