Special report: Power & Water - Controlling resources

The answer is that those commodities are traded on the open market, while water is generally provided at a subsidised or free rate as a public service by governments in the region. This position cannot be sustained. Water consumption in the region is soaring, and a new approach is needed.

Saudi Arabia is progressing with restructuring the management of water services and has begun an efficiency initiative that the government claims has led to consumption falling by 30 per cent. Meanwhile, Dubai’s Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) is introducing a sliding scale of charges designed to make larger consumers pay more.

Consumers across the region must be made to understand the cost of water. Tariffs for water are needed for those who can afford it, and bills should tell the customer what the real cost of their water is, alongside what they actually pay.

The introduction of water tariffs is unpopular and remains a distant prospect in many countries.

But governments cannot afford to dither on the issue of the region’s water supply.

Special Report: Power & Water - Index of all stories

• Water management: A clear solution
  Regional governments are striving to improve the performance of water infrastructure

• Riyadh turns to private sector
  The creation of the National Water Company will enable the kingdom to fulfil plans to privatise its water network.

• Amman takes action to tackle water crisis
  The Kingdom is sacrificing agricultural growth to preserve water resources

• Dubai’s failing wastewater system
  While the emirate's sewerage network is struggling under the strain of incresing demand, better long-term planning is enabling other states to provide the necessary additional capaity.