Domestic water conservation potential in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

/ Domestic water conservation in arid climates can result in efficient utilization of existing water supplies. The impacts of conservation measures such as the installation of water-saving devices, water metering and pricing schemes, water rationing and public awareness programs, strict plumbing codes, penalties for wasting water, programs designed to reduce leakage from public water lines and within the home, water-efficient landscaping, economic and ethical incentives are addressed in detail. Cost savings in arid climates, with particular reference to Saudi Arabia, in relation to some conservation techniques, are presented. Water conservation technology and tentative demonstration and implementation of water conservation programs are discussed.In the early 1900s water conservation basically meant the preservation of surface runoff, accumulated during the rainy season, for use during dryer months or in other areas where water was not available in abundance. Utilities considered their mandate to be the provision of water required by their clients, and thus no attempts were made to modify or reduce water demand. In later years it was realized that the reservoirs build to conserve water also served as flood protection and erosion control devices, in addition to indirect uses such as power production. Utilities began to see the varied benefits of controlling or managing the water they delivered to clients. Thus began the concept of multipurpose water conservation programs.Today, water conservation entails a complex interconnecting system that deals with a variety of aspects ranging from consumer education to advanced technological equipment. Included under the heading of water conservation today are: programs and techniques designed to curb domestic, agricultural, and industrial water use; wastewater reduction, treatment, and reuse; supply-demand and replenishment-depletion relationships, energy consumption, as well as environmental concerns. All these aspects must be considered in relation to their economic, social, political, legal, and aesthetic ties. While all points should be considered for an effective water conservation policy, certain aspects become more important depending on KEY WORDS: Domestic water conservation; water-saving programs; cost savings; arid regions' water use *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.the location where the plan will be implemented and the urgency of the overall water supply-demand situation. For example, in an area where the water supply is relatively reliable, but peak demand during summer months creates shortages, moderate conservation policies could be implemented in order to assure a steady supply throughout the year. Such policies as consumer education, regulations requiring new construction to employ the use of water-efficient equipment, and promotion of efficient water-system operations would be appropriate. However, in times of drought or in arid and semiarid regions, more intense management must occur. They may include: reduction of water usage thr...

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