In a region characterised by its lack of water, the rapid expansion of cities and the requirements of growing populations are driving a surge in demand for water supply and wastewater treatment capacity. In the GCC, demand for water is set to rise by about 62 per cent by 2025, according to new research by MEED.

Demand growth on this scale necessitates significant capital investment in new capacity.

Investment in water is happening. About $80bn-worth of water and wastewater projects are currently planned or under way across the GCC alone.

But in a fiscal environment where governments are working hard to minimise budget deficit and debt levels, it is no longer enough to simply increase capacity. A multi-pronged approach is required that will ensure sustainable development, both from a fiscal and an environmental point of view.

The increasing trend of decoupling water production from electricity generation is an important step, as it allows greater flexibility in supply and reduces capital costs.

But the greatest opportunity to ensure adequate sustainable water supply is to change the way we consume water in the region. In the UAE, the adoption of filters on taps is reported to have resulted in a 20 per cent reduction in water consumption. And despite having once been treated with scepticism, the use of treated sewage effluent and recycled wastewater is now becoming accepted.

New technologies are opening up opportunities to live more sustainably. The challenge is their adoption.

This month's Agenda in features

• Middle East moves closer to a sustainable future: Corrado Sommariva, managing director of ILF Consulting Engineers Middle East, provides an overview of sustainable water development in the region
• Policy reforms needed to achieve Gulf water security: Ensuring a reliable supply will be one of the most important challenges facing Gulf countries in the years ahead
• Conflicting interests spark water disputes: Regional governments must take steps to avoid the spiralling energy and water infrastructure shortfall seen in Iraq and Jordan
• Infographic: The water equation