Dubai: A new research centre was inaugurated on Saturday at the International Desalination Association's World Summit in Dubai. Gulf News readers say the conference could not have come at a better time.
Naina Nair, an Indian expatriate residing in Sharjah, feels it is the right time for this issue to be discussed.
Nair, a homemaker, said: "Water is one of the most important things in the world and as the UAE depends heavily on desalination to provide water for its people, some kind of alternatives could be looked into, to protect the economy and the environment".
But since there is not enough naturally clean water in the UAE, desalination might be the only option.
However, Nair believes that "every situation can be improved".
Using solar energy to power such plants would significantly reduce the amount of energy used to desalinate water.
She said: "Initial costs might be high in the beginning, but I think it will save the environment as well as lower costs in the long run".
Nino Gonzales, a Filipino senior accountant, feels that consuming a large amount of energy to power desalination plants is having an impact on the environment.
According to Gonzales, the conference is the right step, as it is addressing the issue and finding a way to produce and meet the demand for fresh water supply in the region, without sacrificing the environment.
The Abu Dhabi resident said: "Although information regarding water supply is offered to residents in the country, people are not aware of the dire circumstances we are facing, should residents continue to adopt a passive role on the issue".
According to Gonzales, the authorities must continue efforts to inform and encourage people to conserve water.
Gonzales believes that just because people can afford water does not mean it can be wasted, because at the end of the day "this practice will have a negative impact [on] the environment, which in turn will have a negative effect on us".
Rita Amr, a German expatriate residing in Dubai, agrees that the initiative should come from residents, as the desalination process depends on how much water is used.
The quality and process controller said: "I see many people wasting so much water in the country. Simple things such as not washing your car with buckets of water on a daily basis will help".
She also believes that people need to have options and alternatives, provided by the government, to encourage them not to waste water.
