protecting our shared resource SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER USE AND AGRICULTURE

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1 protecting our shared resource SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER USE AND AGRICULTURE GROUNDWATER ABSTRACTION RATE IN ABU DHABI NATURAL GROUNDWATER RECHARGE RATE The fi gures in this publication are sourced from Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030, the 2012 annual EAD/ADFCA policy brief: Advancing Sustainable Groundwater Management in Abu Dhabi and the 2013 Water Resources Management Strategy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A High Level Strategy and Action Plan for the Effi cient Management and Conservation of Water Resources. All details are correct at time of going to print. Groundwater is being used at around 25 times the rate at which it is naturally recharged.

Next steps 9 Learn more 9 The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) was established in 1996 as a government entity responsible for protecting the environment by reducing pollution and enhancing our

We are preoccupied by this major issue. securing a safe and sustainable water supply presents a major challenge, which, if left unaddressed, threatens Abu Dhabi s economy, society and environment.

However, long-term progress in becoming a more water-efﬁcient Emirate can only be delivered with the co-operation and support of organisations in Abu Dhabi s private, public and not-for-proﬁt sectors.

Abu Dhabi is facing a groundwater crisis.

H. GEnErAL sheikh mohammed bin ZAYED AL nahyan CROWN PRINCE OF ABU DHABI, DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE UAE ARMED FORCES, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ABU DHABI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Given as a response to the

I believe the problem lies in the fact that the population of the Arabian Peninsula is incessantly growing, while the region today does not possess a lot of resources.

2 1 ConTEnTs A groundwater crisis 1 Abu Dhabi and water 1 The challenges 2 Groundwater and agriculture 4 The costs of 'business as usual' 6 How the Government is responding 8 What EAD is doing 9 Next steps 9 Learn more 9 The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) was established in 1996 as a government entity responsible for protecting the environment by reducing pollution and enhancing our biodiversity. It does this through science, research, policy, regulation, environmental education and awareness. A GrounDwATEr Crisis Water is more important than oil for the UAE. We are preoccupied by this major issue. securing a safe and sustainable water supply presents a major challenge, which, if left unaddressed, threatens Abu Dhabi s economy, society and environment. Action is already being taken by the Emirate s Government and Leadership. However, long-term progress in becoming a more water-efﬁcient Emirate can only be delivered with the co-operation and support of organisations in Abu Dhabi s private, public and not-for-proﬁt sectors. This guide explains why groundwater is such an important resource, and highlights the need to balance demand for groundwater with the development of the Emirate, especially the agricultural sector. Abu Dhabi is facing a groundwater crisis. But, by working together, there is still time to reverse this dangerous trend and preserve our natural water supplies for future generations of farmers, their local communities and the Emirate as a whole. Abu DHAbi AnD water H.H. GEnErAL sheikh mohammed bin ZAYED AL nahyan CROWN PRINCE OF ABU DHABI, DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE UAE ARMED FORCES, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ABU DHABI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Given as a response to the lecture The World s Freshwater: Towards a Sustainable Future, held at Al Bateen Palace, Abu Dhabi, December I believe the problem lies in the fact that the population of the Arabian Peninsula is incessantly growing, while the region today does not possess a lot of resources. Today, water can be provided through desalination, but within decades the situation will be different as there are no rivers in the region and no technology at present under our disposal to help meet the region's demand on fresh water. Therefore, we have to focus our efforts on conducting relevant studies and researches, and on drawing up suitable strategies and solutions, to come up with ways to meet future demand and preserve natural resources for the coming generations. Abu DHAbi water DEmAnD by sector, % 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 67 % 29 % 4% Abu DHAbi water supply by source, % GROUNDWATER 29% DESALINATED WATER 4% RECYCLED WATER A sustainable water HEriTAGE until about 50 years ago, Abu Dhabi's water requirements were met solely from groundwater, using traditional extraction methods that often involved shallow, hand-dug wells and channels to collect ground, spring and surface water. These methods of water extraction and delivery were laborious, but they were sustainable, balancing natural supplies with local demands. AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND % LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION % DOMESTIC SECTOR % GOVERNMENT % COMMERCIAL % INDUSTRY % OTHERS water ToDAY water production and consumption in today s Abu Dhabi takes place at a vastly larger scale. In 2012, the annual total demand for water in the Emirate was estimated to be 3.3 billion cubic metres. This total demand has long since outstripped the natural recharge rate of Abu Dhabi s groundwater supplies. Groundwater abstraction could potentially be up to 25 times the natural production rate. If this groundwater abstraction rate continues unabated, then an essential resource that was deposited during the last Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago could be entirely depleted. With groundwater reserves diminishing, and demand for water accelerating, the proportion of Abu Dhabi s water that comes from desalination will increase markedly. However, desalination is far from a sustainable solution, and presents signiﬁcant economic and environmental challenges.

3 2 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable groundwater use and agriculture 3 THE CHALLEnGEs GrounDwATEr in Abu DHAbi In 2011, Abu Dhabi s groundwater reserves were estimated to be 635,620 million m 3. Only 3% of that was fresh water, with 18% brackish and 79% saline. Only 18% of all groundwater was directly usable, with the remaining 79% not available for use before undergoing desalination treatment. There are only two signifi cant areas of fresh water in Abu Dhabi. The fi rst is the protected Liwa aquifer, located in the Al Gharbia (Western Region). This is being artifi cially recharged with desalinated water to create an emergency reserve of drinkable water. The second main source of fresh water is between Al Ain and Al Shweib. This area is being naturally recharged at an estimated rate of million m 3 per year by water from an aquifer in Oman, itself recharged by rain in the Sultanate s mountains. This is the only natural, long-term sustainable source of fresh groundwater in Abu Dhabi. IN 2012, ONLY 18% OF ALL GROUNDWATER WAS DIRECTLY USABLE Abu DHAbi faces A range of CHALLEnGEs related To GrounDwATEr IN SOME AREAS OF THE EASTERN REGION, GROUNDWATER LEVELS ARE DROPPING BY OVER FIVE METRES A YEAR. OVER ABSTRACTION GROUNDWATER IS BEING ABSTRACTED MANY TIMES FASTER THAN IT IS BEING REPLACED BY NATURAL RECHARGE. THIS IS DUE TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE EMIRATE S HOT AND ARID CLIMATE, LOW NATURAL RECHARGE RATES, AND DEMAND INCREASINGLY OUTWEIGHING SUPPLY. INEFFICIENT IRRIGATION HIGH VOLUMES OF ABSTRACTION ARE IN PART DUE TO INEFFICIENT USE IN AGRICULTURE, INCLUDING EXCESSIVE OVERWATERING OF CROPS AND DATE PALMS. ILLEGAL DRILLING GROUNDWATER WELLS ARE BEING ILLEGALLY DRILLED AND EXPANDED, WHICH CREATES EXTRA PRESSURE ON NON-RENEWABLE AQUIFERS. ILLEGAL SELLING GROUNDWATER IS ALSO BEING ILLEGALLY SOLD IN THE WESTERN REGION, FURTHER INCREASING PRESSURE ON STRUGGLING AQUIFERS. THEsE CHALLEnGEs HAvE A number of important implications salinity of the Emirate s groundwater is increasing. EAD has sampled wells across Abu Dhabi since the 1990s, with results indicating that salinity has greatly increased. This is a result of over-abstraction of groundwater, combined with excessive use of agricultural fertilizers, which are fl ushed by overwatering into the remaining groundwater reserves. Groundwater levels are dropping as a result of over abstraction. In some areas, the quality of water is deteriorating, and the groundwater levels are dropping between 1.5 to more than 5 metres per year. These areas are classifi ed as red zones. The Chairman s Resolution No. 2 of 2010, amending provisions of Law No. (6) of 2006, restricts the drilling of new or replacement wells in these areas. The pressures on groundwater supply are putting the agricultural sector, and the communities and livelihoods associated with it, under threat. If we continue using groundwater at this rate, such that groundwater runs out, it will place unmanageable pressure on the Emirate s other sources of water desalinated and recycled water. Previously, Abu Dhabi has mitigated the scarcity in renewable water by increasing its reliance on desalinated and treated sewage water. However, with a population expected to reach four million by 2040, there are real limitations to current treatment technologies and the energy available to power them. Increasing demands for desalination will have economic, environmental and social implications for government, industry, business and consumers. by working together, there is still time to reverse this dangerous trend and preserve our natural water supplies for future generations of farmers, their local communities and the Emirate as a whole.

4 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable groundwater use and agriculture www.ead.

and to reduce the need to import food has driven demand for groundwater to unsustainable levels (see Agriculture at a glance).

At the current rates of abstraction, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) estimates that usable groundwater will run out within the next two generations.

The most significant are the availability of free water, choice of crops that consume a lot of water and inefficient irrigation techniques: Groundwater is provided for free, farmers only pay the

Historically, water consumption was dominated by two perennial crops dates and Rhodes grass the latter of which consumed almost 60% of the water used for irrigation.

4 4 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable groundwater use and agriculture 5 GrounDwATEr AnD AGriCuLTurE GrounDwATEr use in AGriCuLTurE An irresponsible practice Expansion of the agriculture and livestock sectors in Abu Dhabi to create employment, protect rural heritage and to reduce the need to import food has driven demand for groundwater to unsustainable levels (see Agriculture at a glance). Over abstraction has led to exhaustion of shallow aquifers in some areas of the Emirate. In some others all usable water (fresh and brackish) will be depleted within the next decade. At the current rates of abstraction, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) estimates that usable groundwater will run out within the next two generations. High groundwater consumption in the agricultural sector is due to several factors. The most significant are the availability of free water, choice of crops that consume a lot of water and inefficient irrigation techniques: Groundwater is provided for free, farmers only pay the capital cost of well construction (although this can also be provided for free from Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)) and the operational costs of pumping the water. Historically, water consumption was dominated by two perennial crops dates and Rhodes grass the latter of which consumed almost 60% of the water used for irrigation. Inefficient irrigation practices are widespread due in part to a lack of equipment and training, and also a lack of engagement by some farm owners to utilise new farming methods on their land. GROUNDWATER SALINITY IS INCREASING FRESH WATER SALINE WATER Groundwater use is a regulated activity. Illegal well drilling, using groundwater for purposes not covered by a permit, or selling groundwater all reduce the availability of fresh groundwater. In par ticular, some farmers are illegally selling groundwater to organisations operating in the Emirate s Western Region. The selling of groundwater in this way is illegal under Laws No. (6) of 2006 and No. (16) of THE AGriCuLTurAL EConomY In contrast to its major impacts on groundwater levels, the agriculture sector only provides a small contribution to Abu Dhabi s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment total. In 2011, the combined economic contribution of agriculture, forestry and ﬁshing was estimated at only 0.6% of national GDP. During 2013 and the fi rst half of 2014, some 55 cases were cited for being in violation of Law No. (6) of 2006, resulting in 35 successful prosecutions, with fi nes ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 50,000. Most of these violations took place in the Western Region. By using a legal and sustainable supply of water, organisations can reduce their operating risks, and protect Abu Dhabi s vital groundwater supply for the future. IN SOME AREAS USABLE GROUNDWATER IS ALREADY COMPLETELY DEPLETED. THE REMAINING SUPPLIES ARE EXPECTED TO RUN OUT WITHIN THE NEXT TWO GENERATIONS. EAD has sampled wells across Abu Dhabi since the 1990s, with results indicating that salinity has greatly increased. This is a result of over-abstraction and the impact of the underlying saline deep aquifers. The problem is compounded by some farmers using small-scale reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants. The by-product of this process is brine, which if allowed to return to the ground, leaches deep into the Emirate s soil and pollutes the very groundwater that is being desalinated. Other undesirable side effects of the RO process are heavy metal pollutants that can harm animals and people, and CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change. IN SPITE OF EFFORTS TO BOOST AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK, MOST OF ABU DHABI S FOOD IS STILL IMPORTED. ONLY ABOUT 15% OF THE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN LOCAL MARKETS ARE LOCALLY PRODUCED, AND THERE IS A SHORTFALL BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED ANIMAL PROTEIN. AGRICULTURE AT A GLANCE Agriculture in Abu Dhabi (2012) comprises: 24,394 agricultural holdings/farms 75,284 hectares* 181,674 fruit trees 1,652 hectares of vegetables (producing around 59,000 tons of vegetables) 10,114 greenhouses of which 5,424 were productive. Livestock in Abu Dhabi (2012) comprises an estimated: 2,551,432 goats and sheep (the major source of animal protein in the Emirate) 330,220 camels 40,046 cattle. In 2012, there were around 71,000 groundwater wells in Abu Dhabi used for agriculture. a hectare (ha) is 10,000 square metres. *

6 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable groundwater use and agriculture THE CosTs of business As usual www.ead.

The volume of brine and cooling water disposed into the Gulf will more than double, impacting the marine ecosystem and fisheries.

The strategic reserve will provide 180 litres per person per day for the Abu Dhabi capital area. Outside this area other sources of fresh water will need to be found.

Abu Dhabi s coastal ecosystem could be changed and the resulting increases in temperatures, decreases in precipitations and raised sea levels would impact on citizens, natural ecosystems, water

THE need To ACT Fuel consumption for desalination will require importation of costly natural gas. If demand continues to increase, subsidies will become a large fiscal burden.

Even more of Abu Dhabi s private farmland areas will be abandoned, with the loss of personal lifestyles, cultural pastimes and community heritage.

5 6 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable groundwater use and agriculture THE CosTs of business As usual 7 EnvironmEnTAL: EConomiC: social: Without groundwater, agriculture will rely on recycled water, which is in limited supply, or desalinated water, which brings a significant economic burden. The volume of brine and cooling water disposed into the Gulf will more than double, impacting the marine ecosystem and fisheries. Increased desalination capacity will require large capital expenditures. If our desalination capacity fails, groundwater is our only source of fresh water. The strategic reserve will provide 180 litres per person per day for the Abu Dhabi capital area. Outside this area other sources of fresh water will need to be found. CO2 emissions from desalination will more than double, speeding up climate change. Abu Dhabi s coastal ecosystem could be changed and the resulting increases in temperatures, decreases in precipitations and raised sea levels would impact on citizens, natural ecosystems, water resources and food production. Natural ecosystems that access groundwater without irrigation are likely to die out. THE need To ACT Fuel consumption for desalination will require importation of costly natural gas. If demand continues to increase, subsidies will become a large fiscal burden. Reduced fresh groundwater will impact agricultural businesses, which represent a source of employment and income, as well as being contributors to the Emirate s food security. Even more of Abu Dhabi s private farmland areas will be abandoned, with the loss of personal lifestyles, cultural pastimes and community heritage. If the agricultural sector collapses due to lack of available water, livelihoods will be lost and unemployment increased. Marine ecosystem damage will reduce fish stocks, also impacting on employment, incomes, and food security. Almost two thirds (65%) of our current water supply groundwater is non-renewable and at the current rate of use this will be exhausted within the next two generations. Groundwater is the only long term source of fresh water that Abu Dhabi has and our current use risks our future water and national security. There is an urgent need to conserve groundwater for the benefi t of our economy, environment, and the people of Abu Dhabi and the wider Gulf region. As a key consumer of groundwater, Abu Dhabi s agricultural sector has an important role to play in this, through balancing the contribution made by local farming to food self-sufficiency with the availability of water and future water security.

8 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable groundwater use and agriculture www.ead.

ensure that the stresses placed on water resources from a growing population, rising standards of living and a diversifying economy are sustainably managed.

EAD: A range of initiatives A FAR-REACHING STRATEGY Since 2009, the Government has been working with a range of partners to deliver a series of initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable

It has: In 2013, a strategy and action plan was produced: Water Resources Management Strategy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A High Level Strategy and Action Plan for the Efficient Management and

6 8 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable groundwater use and agriculture 9 how the government is responding what ead is doing The Leadership and Government of Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in developing the Emirate s water supply, and continues to take action to ensure that the stresses placed on water resources from a growing population, rising standards of living and a diversifying economy are sustainably managed. Safeguarding the Emirate s groundwater resources is one of Environment Agency Abu Dhabi s (EAD) priority areas. EAD: A range of initiatives A FAR-REACHING STRATEGY Since 2009, the Government has been working with a range of partners to deliver a series of initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable approach to water use in agriculture. It has: In 2013, a strategy and action plan was produced: Water Resources Management Strategy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A High Level Strategy and Action Plan for the Efficient Management and Conservation of Water Resources. The plan s purpose is to ensure efficient management and conservation of Abu Dhabi s three water resources (groundwater, desalinated water and recycled water), as envisaged in Abu Dhabi Environment Vision established the Abu Dhabi Farmers Services Centre (ADFSC) to support farmers to improve yields, the quality of produce, farm income, and water-use efficiency. The ADFSC has: launched the Efficient Irrigation Fund (see Case Study: Efficient irrigation); worked with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) to identify and introduce crops that have high tolerance to salinity and drought; adopted the agriculture water-use policy to target optimisation of water use; This five-year strategy ( ) aims to: moderate indoor and outdoor desalinated water consumption; works in partnership with stakeholder organisations to create and implement policy, legal framework, regulation and other approaches to protect water resources; monitors and assesses the status of groundwater to continually inform policy, legal framework, regulatory and other approaches; under Law No. (6) of 2006, issues permits to drill groundwater wells, based on compliance with stringent criteria; carries out inspection visits to farms across the Emirate to detect, monitor and stop groundwater selling, and enforce the laws; initiates, manages and participates in projects to efficiently manage our water resources, such as the Strategic Water Reserve; works towards operating EAD forests with optimum water efficiency; and works with partner organisations to increase awareness of the groundwater crisis and to encourage the changes that will conserve the dwindling supplies. maximise the use of recycled water for non-drinking purposes; and introduced an amendment restricting the drilling of new or replacement wells in red zones; and introduced, through the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), subsidy reform to disincentivise the growth of high water-use crops such as Rhodes grass. case study: efficient irrigation In 2010, the ADFSC launched the Efficient Irrigation Fund, which has distributed water-saving equipment to more than 6,500 farms. According to the ADFSC, before they started their training programmes, some farmers were using as much as 1,500 litres per palm tree per day. After applying a scheduling irrigation programme, this was reduced to 300 litres per tree per day a reduction of 80%. This not only saves water but leads to healthier trees and increased yields. With God's will, we shall continue to work to protect our environment and our wildlife, as did our forefathers before us. It is a duty, and, if we fail, our children, rightly, will reproach us for squandering an essential part of their inheritance, and of our heritage. HOW GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESSES CAN HELP The scale of the water challenge facing Abu Dhabi cannot be overstated. Only by embracing our collective responsibilities and working together on sustainable water solutions can we hope to mitigate the increasing economic, social and environmental impacts. Learn more extend the life of usable groundwater reserves. trained farmers on open-field cropping and irrigation practices, as well as disease and pest management; and marketed local agriculture produce under the Local Harvest brand, with a minimum price guarantee to farmers. Next steps EAD is currently working to update Law, No. (6) of 2006 to further regulate the abstraction and use of groundwater. Over recent months, EAD has ramped up efforts to prosecute those who did not comply with the conditions of their well-drilling permits or did not have permits. EAD continues to further reduce the amount of water used in forestry and agriculture through water efficiency measures including water efficient irrigation, the use of drought tolerant species, crop calculators and water meters. The Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the uae. For more information on how the Government is responding to the groundwater crisis, please read the Water Resources Management Strategy: For more information on the status of groundwater, please visit the EAD website s Groundwater section: EAD is developing and promoting the use of recycled water as an alternative to groundwater. In partnership with ADFSC, EAD is carrying out a programme to inform the agricultural sector on the status of groundwater and provide guidance and training to encourage more water efficient practices in the future. For more information on ADFSC, please visit:

ABU DHABI STATE OF ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2017

ABU DHABI STATE OF ENVIRONMENT REPORT 217 LEAD AUTHOR DR. MOHAMED AL MADFAEI Executive Director Integrated Environment Policy & Planning Environment Agency Abu Dhabi CO-AUTHORS Dr. Mohamed Dawoud, EAD