The acute lack of natural water resources in Kuwait is indisputable. The country essentially has one limited natural water resource that is groundwater, while the majority of the country's demands are met by seawater desalination. Notwithstanding this scarcity calls for careful foresighted utilization of the water resources, no clear plans is being followed. Attempting to initiate the planning process, this paper gives an assessment of the current status of water resources availability, production, future demand and expected increases in production, in Kuwait. While the desalination and wastewater reuse are only bounded by economical considerations, considerable efforts have already been made in assessing the baseline of the groundwater resources in Kuwait; nonetheless, no estimation is available of the aquifer system potential for sustainable development or even mining. The total water budget in 2001 is estimated at 655 Million m 3 , with desalination, groundwater production, and wastewater reuse constituting 59%, 32% and 9% respectively. The projected water demand for 2010 is 1020 Million m 3 . The plans of the Ministry of Electricity and Water and the Ministry of Public Works indicated that groundwater would cover 52% of the planned additional production, while desalination and wastewater reuse would cover 44% and 4% respectively. While the proposed increase in groundwater production would inevitably consume the only natural water resource of the country, only 40% of the generated wastewater is to be utilized. The absence of integrated planning is also manifested in the total planned production that surpasses the projected demands by more than 17%.

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to present a case study on how drinking water consumption could be potentially reduced by the introduction of dual water distribution networks. Since water of this quality is required only for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing, delivering such water for uses that require non-drinking water quality represents a tremendous waste of water and energy, and contributes to environmental pollution. Design/methodology/approach -An overview of dual distribution networks in several countries is presented. Kuwait, in which 86 percent of the freshwater network has a parallel brackish water network, is the leader in this field, with brackish water used for a range of outdoor activities. The residential sector is the major consumer of freshwater in Kuwait and the control of demand in this sector will be a key factor in curbing the overall demand, which without any demand management measures is expected to quadruple by 2025. Computer modeling based on existing water use statistics and the proposed phasing-in of a dual distribution network for indoor use in households has been undertaken to determine how the large quantities of reclaimed can be used to reduce drinking water consumption. Findings -The paper presents a modeling exercise that demonstrates that by using reverse osmosis (RO) treated wastewater for toilet flushing and watering the gardens, water consumption demand can be stabilized at present levels over a 20-year period. Originality/value -The paper concludes that with foresight and long-term planning it is feasible to implement a dual water supply network in a major city, on a scale which may lead to saving up to 25 percent of drinking quality water on top of other traditional water conservation measures.

The objective of this paper is to develop a Kuwaiti water code of practice for internal plumbing of potable water supply in homes, apartment complexes, and public facilities. In order to prepare the code, data collection was accomplished in three categories, namely, communication with governmental authorities; communication with local industries and plumbing service companies; and collecting, and studying international codes applied in other countries. The final outcome of this project was a "Uniform Potable Water -Plumbing Code of Kuwait (UPPCK)". The UPPCK is composed of seven chapters and three appendices. It includes the standards for plumbing material specifications and general regulations, the requirements for plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings, water supply roof appliances and the ground and elevated storage tanks, approved methods for the design of water supply and distribution, and finally the protection of the water supply network from back water flow. The implementation of the UPPCK will have a positive influence on water conservation by reducing wastage of water and will ensure better health of consumers.