In Saudi Arabia, there have been attempts to redefine water use in such areas, where treated water has been used as an innovative means of environmental restoration.
In this context, Saudi Arabia’s strategy has helped create a continuous green belt through efforts to transform Saudi Arabia’s deserts. This is one of the efforts directed towards achieving sustainability in the future. Water recycling has not only conserved water but also addressed desertification and poor air quality, among other issues.
Saudi Arabia is working to transform wastewater into a sustainable resource
Saudi Arabia’s wastewater reuse plan is directly linked to the country’s transformation efforts, including the Vision 2030 initiative.
It is worth noting that up to 70% of Saudi Arabia’s treated wastewater will be reused, which is much more than it planned to reuse over the past several decades. As stated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, treated wastewater is used in irrigation, landscaping and afforestation operations.Specifically, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture emphasizes the following:“Treated wastewater is a valuable resource that contributes to sustainability and reduces dependence on limited natural resources, especially non-renewable groundwater.”
This approach adheres to global trends in this field, which are widely recognized around the world. Reusing wastewater has become the primary solution to overcome water shortages. Treated wastewater is a great source of irrigation water and nutrients for crops.
Green corridors in the desert: combating desertification
The formation of the green corridor is one of the notable results of wastewater reuse. They serve as a way to maintain soil stability, control sandstorms, and help create microclimates that allow for biodiversity.As shown in research titled “Seasonal Imprint on the Late Quaternary Landscape of the Rub’ al-Khali Desert,” conducted by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), wastewater reuse projects yield positive results for the environment. One of them is the following:“Vegetation cover in desert environments can be improved through irrigation using treated wastewater, which improves soil fertility.”These projects, apart from being beneficial to the environment, have an impact on improving the quality of life as well.
For example, green belts make cities cooler and give their residents more entertainment venues. This is evident in cities like Riyadh, which now have parks and tree-lined streets.
Innovative water management and future expansion
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia remains committed to adopting new methodologies in water treatment by ensuring that recycled water meets safety standards for the environment and public health. Nowadays, existing modern plants rely on multi-stage filtration and purification, making the water useful for irrigation.As stated in the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) report, it is necessary to pay special attention to innovation in the industry for the following reasons:“Public-private partnerships promote efficiency and innovation in wastewater treatment and reuse.”In the future, further development of the project will be of great importance in achieving the goals associated with sustainable development. As a result of this process, it becomes possible to create larger green corridors, converting more desert land into a sustainable ecosystem.Innovation, along with sustainability, is now being implemented in Saudi Arabia, even though the country belongs to the driest regions on Earth.