Sharjah waste water recycling efforts praised

Sharjah's successful experiment in recycling waste water for irrigation purposes has been praised by GCC municipal representatives attending a recent workshop in Riyadh. The Sharjah experience was also chosen as one of the best four experiments.

Apart from the GCC municipal representatives, universities and authorities in Saudi Arabia also took part in the workshop which was held on September 21 and 22.

Sharjah's working document, which was outlined during an hour-long presentation, was chosen by the organising committee as one of the best for experiments in treating waste water for irrigation purposes.

The presentation included details on total population and the quantity of waste water needed for irrigation, and explained the treatment process at the recycling plant.

It said recycling offers two product benefits: the disinfected recycled water for irrigation, and the hard waste that is dried and taken to the municipality's organic fertilisers factory.

Sharjah began the first phase of waste water treatment back in 1976 with 5,000 cubic metres of recycled water per day; today the output is 105,000 cubic metres.

Final recommendations stressed the need to hold regular regional conferences and seminars to benefit from the best practices followed, and to set up measures and regulations ensuring sustainable development of waste water recycling.

A shared database is also required to constantly exchange experiences, the participants suggested.