Suffering from a shortage of renewable natural freshwater resources, Kuwait depends heavily on seawater desalination to meet its water needs. Brackish groundwater, which has low natural recharge rates, is also exploited for agricultural and greening purposes and for mixing with desalinated water to make it potable. At the same time, a growing population and rising standards of living have contributed to a rapid increase in water demand. The reuse of treated wastewater, as a non-conventional water source, has become crucial.

Freshwater resources in Kuwait are very scarce due to low precipitation, a high rate of evaporation and the dry sandy nature of the topsoil. Kuwait has no lakes or rivers, and the main natural water resources are limited to brackish groundwater.

Many desalination plants, power plants, recreational facilities, hospitals and other urban and industrial facilities have been constructed along the coast of Kuwait Bay

Actions such as exploring and developing non-conventional water resources, adopting innovative technologies for water and wastewater treatment, mitigating and controlling the pollution of available water resources, reducing water network losses and adopting new technologies for the production and treatment of water can enhance water security and conserve the country’s valuable water resources.