In Saudi Arabia, there have been attempts to redefine water use in these areas, where the use of treated water has been used as an innovative way to restore the environment. In this context, the Saudi strategy has helped create a continuous green belt through efforts to transform the Saudi desert. This is one of the efforts to achieve sustainable development in the future. Water recycling not only saves water, but also solves problems such as desertification and poor air quality.
Saudi Arabia is turning wastewater into sustainable resources
Saudi Arabia’s wastewater reuse program is directly linked to the country’s transformation efforts, including its Vision 2030 initiative. Notably, up to 70% of treated wastewater will be reused by Saudi Arabia, far exceeding its reuse plans over the past few decades. As MEWA states, the treated wastewater is used for irrigation, landscaping and greening processes.Specifically, MEWA emphasizes:“Treated wastewater is a valuable resource that contributes to sustainable development and reduces dependence on limited natural resources, especially non-renewable groundwater.”This approach follows global trends in the field and is widely recognized around the world. Wastewater reuse has become a cornerstone solution to overcome water scarcity. Treated wastewater is an important source of water and nutrients for crop irrigation.
Green corridors in the desert: combating desertification
The formation of green corridors is one of the significant results of wastewater reuse. They stabilize soil, control dust storms and help create a microclimate that is conducive to biodiversity.As titled “Monsoon imprints on the Late Quaternary landscape of the Rub al-Khali Desert”, implemented by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), wastewater reuse projects have brought positive results for the environment. One of them is as follows:“Vegetation in desert environments can be improved by using treated wastewater for irrigation, thereby increasing soil fertility.”In addition to being good for the environment, these projects also have an impact on improving quality of life. For example, green belts make cities cooler and provide residents with more places to relax. This can be seen in cities like Riyadh, which now boasts parks and tree-lined streets.
Innovative water management and future expansion
In addition, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains committed to innovative water treatment methods that ensure recycled water meets environmental and public health safety standards. Currently, the most advanced plants available rely on multiple stages of filtration and purification to make the water usable for irrigation.as stated in the report Saudi Water Cooperation Company (SWPC)special attention needs to be paid to innovation in the industry because:“Public-private partnerships are promoting efficiency and innovation in wastewater treatment and reuse.”In the future, further development of the project will be important to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. As a result of this process, it is possible to create larger green corridors, turning more desert areas into sustainable ecosystems.Innovation combined with sustainable development is currently being implemented in Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that it is among the driest regions on earth.
