Water resources management in developing countries: a case study from Kuwait

As a result of its location in an extremely arid region, Kuwait is making every effort to utilize its natural groundwater resources in a rational manner. However, a number of concerns related to the groundwater of Kuwait have underscored the need for seeking alternative sources of water. Concerns over the potential for groundwater pollution as a consequence of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the water table rise in the residential areas of Kuwait City and suburbs, and the overexploitation of the groundwater and associated salinity problems in the major farming areas of Kuwait, have prompted the government to investigate the possibility of utilizing other non-traditional sources of water. Wastewater is an important source of usable water from which Kuwait can benefit markedly. As more residential areas are connected to the sewage system, it is expected that larger quantities of wastewater will be available for treatment and further re-use in various sectors. Despite its potential as an important source of water, the use of wastewater in Kuwait is currently limited to the agricultural sector.