Bahrain's Water Sources: A Desert Nation's Supply

Bahrain is located in an arid to extremely arid environment, with erratic and scanty rainfall and high evapotranspiration rates. This results in a high deficit in the water budget, making it impossible for perennial surface water systems to exist. Bahrain has two groundwater systems: the renewable Dammam aquifer system and the non-renewable Rus-Umm er Radhuma (Rus-UER) aquifer system. The country's heavy dependence on groundwater resources, particularly for agriculture and municipal sectors, has led to over-extraction, seawater intrusion, and a severe decline in water levels. To meet the growing demand for water, Bahrain relies on desalination plants and treated municipal wastewater, but these solutions come with their own environmental and economic challenges. With a rising population and limited water resources, Bahrain faces significant challenges in ensuring water security for its people.

Bahrain's water sources: sweet and salty

Bahrain's name, which comes from the Arabic 'al-bahrayn', meaning ''two seas', is fitting given that the country is surrounded by two kinds of water: sweet and salty. However, the country's water sources are limited and it is considered one of the countries with the lowest per capita freshwater availability in the world.

Groundwater

Bahrain has two groundwater systems: the Dammam aquifer system and the Rus-Umm er Radhuma (Rus-UER) aquifer system. The Dammam aquifer is considered a renewable system as it is recharged by the equivalent aquifer system in eastern Saudi Arabia. The Rus-UER aquifer system, on the other hand, occurs in the form of a brackish water lens and is considered non-renewable. The Dammam aquifer is the principal aquifer in Bahrain, providing most of the groundwater abstraction. However, due to over-extraction, seawater intrusion, and other factors, the quality and quantity of groundwater in Bahrain have deteriorated significantly.

Desalination

To address the limited freshwater resources, Bahrain relies heavily on desalination, with at least 60% of its freshwater being desalinated water. The country has several large desalination plants that fulfil nearly all municipal water requirements. However, the process of desalination is costly and poses environmental concerns, including increased ocean salinity and the removal of essential minerals from the water.

Wastewater Treatment

Bahrain also treats municipal wastewater to compensate for the limited freshwater resources. The country has 11 wastewater treatment plants, with the main one being the Tubli Water Pollution Control Centre (Tubli WPCC). While treated wastewater can be used for irrigation and landscaping, it is not always fully utilised due to a lack of agricultural projects and infrastructure.

Sanitation Facilities

Despite the challenges, Bahrain has made strides toward improving and expanding sanitation facilities. The country has an old sewage system, with facilities dating back to the 1970s, but it has added and expanded treatment plants to combat inadequacies. Bahrain also plans to construct a deep gravity sewer project to cover large areas of the country.

Water scarcity and climate change

Bahrain is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with limited freshwater resources and a growing demand for water. The country's arid to extremely arid climate, high average temperatures, erratic and scanty rainfall, and high evapotranspiration rates result in a high deficit in the water budget, making it impossible for a perennial surface water system to exist.

The main sources of freshwater in Bahrain are groundwater and desalinated seawater. Groundwater is obtained from the lateral underflow of the Dammam aquifer, which forms part of the extensive regional Eastern Arabian Aquifer. However, groundwater reserves suffer from severe degradation in quality and quantity due to over-extraction, seawater intrusion, oil spills, and other industrial discharges. As a result, desalination provides at least 60% of Bahrain's freshwater.

The construction, operation, and maintenance of water desalination plants are costly and energy-intensive, and there are concerns about the environmental impact of this level of desalination activity in the region. The process of desalination removes essential minerals from the water and increases the salinity of the ocean, which can harm the environment.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate water scarcity in Bahrain. As the temperature of the planet rises, sea levels will continue to rise, causing surrounding seawater to intermix with groundwater and decrease freshwater availability. Additionally, increased and recurring extreme weather events, droughts, and floods will further stress ecosystems and impact global food security.

To address water scarcity and climate change, Bahrain has taken several measures. The country has adopted sanitation facilities and added new treatment plants to improve wastewater treatment. Bahrain has also constructed a large number of desalination plants to meet drinking water demands. The government has formed the Water Resources Council (WRC) to protect and develop water resources and increase community awareness about optimal water usage.

However, more comprehensive and collaborative actions are needed to address water scarcity and climate change effectively. Securing sufficient water resources for agriculture, improving water governance, and adopting innovative and efficient water management practices are crucial. This includes advancing wastewater treatment and reuse, implementing circular economy principles, and exploring ecosystem-based solutions.

Bahrain faces significant challenges in terms of water scarcity and climate change. The country's arid climate, limited freshwater resources, and increasing demand for water due to a growing population contribute to water stress. Climate change, with its impact on temperature rise and extreme weather events, further exacerbates the situation. To ensure the country's stability, sustainability, and well-being, it is imperative to address water scarcity and improve water management, in collaboration with the international community and by adopting sustainable practices.

Water treatment and sanitation

Bahrain has two groundwater systems: the renewable Dammam aquifer system and the non-renewable Rus-Umm er Radhuma (Rus-UER) aquifer system. The country's heavy dependence on groundwater resources, particularly for agriculture and municipal sectors, has led to a severe decline in aquifer water levels, causing all natural springs to stop flowing. This has resulted in a significant increase in groundwater abstraction rates, which are now more than twice the recommended groundwater safe yield.

The over-utilisation of the Dammam aquifer, the principal aquifer in Bahrain, by the agricultural and domestic sectors has led to its salinisation. This is caused by water from adjacent brackish and saline water bodies, particularly the underlying saline aquifer of Umm er Radhuma. To address this issue, Bahrain has adopted desalination methods, with at least 60% of the country's freshwater supply being desalinated. Desalination plants, however, pose a threat to the environment. The process removes essential minerals from the water, and the leftover salt is discharged into the ocean, increasing its salinity.

The Tubli Water Pollution Control Centre (Tubli WPCC) is Bahrain's main wastewater treatment plant. In 2005, it produced about 160,000m3/day of secondary treated effluent, and around 60,674m3/day received tertiary treatment. There are also eleven minor wastewater treatment plants with a total designed capacity of about 9,720m3/day. The actual flow to the Tubli WPCC often exceeds its designed capacity, leading to large volumes of partially treated wastewater being discharged into the surrounding environment. To address this issue, Bahrain is implementing decentralisation planning policies and working to increase the plant's capacity and improve efficiency.

In addition to the Tubli WPCC, Bahrain has taken several measures to improve water treatment and sanitation. The country has added new treatment plants and expanded existing ones. Bahrain also plans to construct a deep gravity sewer project to cover large areas of the country. Furthermore, 99% of the population uses basic sanitation resources, and the government claims that 100% of the population has access to improved and safe drinking water sources and improved sanitation services.

Oil pollution and environmental impact

Bahrain's economy is heavily reliant on its oil and gas sector, with revenues from oil exports accounting for over 70% of government income since 2007. As a result, the country has experienced significant environmental impacts associated with the industry. While Bahrain has made efforts to protect its environment and achieve sustainability, oil pollution remains a pressing issue, particularly in terms of marine pollution caused by giant oil tankers.

Bahrain's oil and gas sector faces challenges in balancing economic development and environmental protection. The country has two main groundwater systems: the Dammam aquifer system and the Rus-Umm er Radhuma (Rus-UER) aquifer system. Over-extraction of water from these aquifers, especially the Dammam aquifer, has led to severe degradation in terms of both quality and quantity. This has resulted in the cessation of natural spring flow and increased seawater intrusion. Additionally, the rapid industrialization associated with the oil and gas sector has contributed to stress on the environment and natural resources.

To address these issues, the Bahraini government has implemented various measures. They have set up several governmental institutions, organizations, and committees dedicated to achieving sustainability. Additionally, they have enacted laws and regulations related to sustainable development and signed multilateral agreements on sustainability. Bahrain has also invested in desalination plants and wastewater treatment facilities to meet municipal water requirements and reduce the strain on freshwater resources.

However, marine pollution caused by oil tankers remains a significant concern. Bahrain Shura Council's Financial and Economic Affairs Committee has questioned the preventive measures and actions taken to combat this issue. Improper discharge of bilge water from these vessels has severe consequences on water and marine life. The country is working towards coordinating efforts at the regional and international levels to ensure the protection of its marine environment.

Overall, while Bahrain has made strides in sustainability and environmental protection, the impact of the oil and gas sector on the country's water resources and marine environment remains a challenge that requires continuous attention and collaborative solutions.

Population growth and water demand

Bahrain has one of the highest population densities in the world, and its population is increasing. Between 1980 and 2018, Bahrain's population grew from about 0.35 million to about 1.5 million. The population is projected to reach 2.4 million by 2035. This population growth is influenced by two key factors: improving socio-economic conditions, which have encouraged the growth of the native Bahraini population, and Bahrain's increasingly diversified economy, which has attracted foreign workers.

The rising population, along with the country's arid to extremely arid climate, has led to a significant increase in water demand. Bahrain's annual rainfall averages about 80 mm, and its evapotranspiration rates are approximately 1,850 mm per year, resulting in a high deficit in the water budget. This makes it challenging for a perennial surface water system to exist.

Bahrain's freshwater resources are already scarce, and the growing population further strains these limited supplies. The country relies mainly on groundwater and desalinated seawater to meet its water needs. However, the heavy utilization of groundwater, particularly for agriculture and municipal purposes, has led to a severe decline in aquifer water levels, causing all natural springs to stop flowing.

To address the increasing water demand, Bahrain has expanded the capacity of desalination plants. Desalination now provides at least 60% of the country's freshwater. While this has helped meet municipal water demands, it has come at a high cost, both financially and environmentally. The process of desalination requires significant energy, primarily natural gas, and contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the brine discharge from desalination plants affects the surrounding coastal and marine environments.

The Bahraini government has recognized the need to improve water management and has implemented measures to increase water efficiency and control demand. These include revising water tariffs, detecting and controlling leaks, installing smart metering, conducting water awareness campaigns, and promoting modern irrigation and agricultural methods.

Despite these efforts, Bahrain is listed among the top ten countries likely to suffer from a water crisis in the next 25 years. The increasing population and limited freshwater resources continue to strain the country's water security, and it is crucial that sustainable water management practices are prioritized to ensure adequate water supplies for the future.

Frequently asked questions