Significant potential exists for the expansion of treated wastewater reuse to improve Qatar’s water security. The country’s arid desert climate is characterised by unpredictable and erratic rainfall, averaging between 50 and 80 mm each year. A joint management system will be required to treat salinisation, ensure the aquifer’s sustainable use and prevent potential conflict over the resource. Qatar has one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in the world and this is expected to increase in the coming decade. Haweya Ismail Research Analyst Global Food and Water Crises Research Programme. The per capita water consumption in Qatar is currently the highest in the world, with the total consumption recorded at 216 cubic metres in 2012, according to Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) In the water sector, the country is expected to witness developments worth US$87mn before 2022. Qatar plans to create cost-effective solar desalination plants to provide water for agriculture and reduce reliance on its depleting aquifers. The Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP) has provided US$40mn in financing to Saudi Arabia’s first Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP)... Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) and a consortium led by the Metito Group, comprising Metito, Mowah Co. and Orascom Construction,... Radar technology has established itself as a real problem solver in the field of level measurement. The Qatari National Development Strategy report estimates that water consumption will increase 5.4 per cent annually for Qataris and 7 per cent annually for non-Qatari residents to 2020. These factors and a lack of permanent rivers in Qatar have led to overdependence on groundwater resources, mainly groundwater aquifers, for agricultural irrigation. Strategies that reduce supply risk and secure food imports by diversifying supply sources and reducing transaction costs for trade will be required to enhance future food security. Qatar shares the Umm er Radhuma aquifer with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Instead the government plans on increasing awareness of water scarcity amongst young people by launching a national campaign in partnership with the Water Interest Group of the Qatar Green Building Council. Changing crop selection to heat tolerant varieties and species which require less water will also assist reduce irrigation demand and water wastage in the Agriculture sector. The current demand of 1.4 billion litres of water per day is expected to increase by more than 50 per cent to 2.2 billion litres per day by 2022. Qatar experiences an extremely high level of water stress owing to its scarcity of natural renewable water resources and high rates of water consumption. Doha: Water demand in Qatar has grown by an annual average of 10.6 percent over the ten years. Measures need to be put in place to reduce the risks associated with oil transport in the gulf and to manage the brine left as a result of desalination. Independent Strategic Analysis of Australia’s Global Interests, Food and Water Security in Qatar: Part 2 – Water Resources. KAHRAMAA are charged with implementing the Qatar National Water and Electricity Conservation Campaign which aims to reduce water consumption by 35 per cent between 2009 and 2016. The water quality in Qatar is improving, and experts say that both the tap and bottled water is usually safe to drink.However, those who live in the country should be cautious with imported water.. The depletion of natural renewable water resources has led Qatar to rely heavily on desalination plants for its water supply. Tel: +61 8 9389 9831 Fax: +61 8 9389 8803, E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.futuredirections.org.au, Donate now to help us provide independent research and advice on global issues facing Australia, © Future Directions International 2020  |  ABN 71 092 965 485. Of this, more than 70 per cent is used for flood irrigation. Without these sources, food self-sufficiency plans areeconomically and environmentally unsustainable. The new plants will use advanced reverse-osmosis technology that is less energy intensive than the existing multi-stage flash process. This 2nd Water Statistics Report gives a comprehensive overview on water sources, water uses and wastewater treatment reuse and Water usage is also higher amongst Qatari residents when compared with expatriate consumption, indicating a need to initiate changes in behaviour and attitudes to water conservation. Qatar is expected to experience high rates of population growth and with it a rise in food, water and energy consumption in the coming years. Suite 5, 202 Hampden Road, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.