Campaign to conserve water and electricity

Not all habits are hard to break and with some effort residents can help Abu Dhabi save water and electricity worth Dh70 million a year.

Rethink Your Lifestyle - Save Water and Energy is the theme of a massive information campaign launched here yesterday by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) to encourage people to save precious resources and keep the environment clean.

The year-long campaign is held in cooperation with Abu Dhabi and Al Ain distribution companies under the patronage of Sheikh Diab bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the water and electricity authority, and targets residents, particularly children.

"We aim to encourage residents to develop a responsible attitude towards water and electricity conservation," said Abdullah Al Ahbabi, director of business support at the "If every individual saves for a year one per cent in his water and electricity consumption, an incredible Dh70 million will be saved a year."

At a press conference, Al Ahbabi said the campaign will suggest simple tips to reduce consumption at home without affecting consumers' lifestyles.

He said the campaign, whose effectiveness will be evaluated after a year, is part of a long-term plan to reduce water and electricity consumption by at least five per cent over the next few years, despite population growth.

Consumption of water and electricity in Abu Dhabi is among the highest in the world due to the warm climate and its use to irrigate greenery and agriculture. Well water represents less than one per cent of total water production by the water authority, the rest being desalinated water.

Khaled Al Rasoul, deputy managing director of Al Ain Distribution Company, said the daily average consumption of water in Abu Dhabi is 150 gallons per capita, while international averages range between 25 and 80 gallons.

The water and electricity authority will also set up a business unit to advise companies setting up new offices on ways to save water and electricity.

Asked whether there are plans to increase tariffs of water and electricity, Al Ahbabi ruled out the possibility of any increase for the time being. "We are not planning any increase in the near future, but we believe people should become more responsible about water and electricity consumption."

How to save water and electricity
* Check leaking taps
* Sun dry your clothes instead of using the drier
* Defrost and clean fridge every six months
* Soap all dishes before rinsing
* Fill up your washing machine
* Turn off TV power from the main point
* Do not use air condition if unnecessary
* Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth

Categories and percentages
Water Electricity
UAE nationals 24 25
Expatriates 24 15
Government 34 22
Commercial 10 23
Agriculture 4 11
Others 4 4
Source: ADWEA