Addressing the Water Crisis in the Middle East: An Imperative Focus on Water Leakages

As water leakage poses a significant cause of water wastage, products like Terraco's Weathercoat, Flexicoat, UltraCrete and Terraseal waterproofing solutions light a path towards critical water preservation efforts.

Water, a fundamental necessity for existence, supports life, cultivates agriculture and fuels industry. Particularly in the arid landscapes of the Middle East, water transcends mere resource status, becoming a vital life-sustaining essence. With the region experiencing escalating demand due to population growth, agricultural practices, industrial expansion and urbanisation, a water crisis is imminent. Several contributing factors lead to serious water scarcity issues, among which water leakage often goes unnoticed.

Given that every water droplet is crucial in this environment, water loss due to leakage becomes a distressing problem. It's estimated that water leakage can account for nearly 30% of total water wastage, especially in older buildings with outdated infrastructures.

Water-retaining structures, commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, are often the main culprits of such leakages. Negative pressure causes these leakages, allowing water to infiltrate concrete structures, leading to dampness, decay and ultimately, significant leakage. This not only squanders valuable water resources but also jeopardises the structural integrity of these buildings.

However, the implications of water leakage extend beyond the mere loss of water and structural damage. It also fosters the growth of moulds within building walls. While seemingly harmless, these moulds pose a substantial health risk. The World Health Organization recognises that damp and mouldy environments can induce a range of health effects, from allergic reactions to respiratory complications.

In the damp, warm conditions produced by water leakage, moulds flourish. These situations often go unnoticed until inhabitants begin experiencing health issues, making mould a stealthy but potent hazard. Moulds can degrade the air quality in these spaces, leading to health problems such as asthma, allergies and other respiratory ailments.

Furthermore, the presence of mould and dampness dramatically diminishes the aesthetic appeal and quality of living spaces, impacting property value, comfort and habitability for owners and residents alike.

The dire necessity for water conservation in the Middle East makes it imperative to proactively address water leakage. With a spectrum of issues emerging from water leakages, from water wastage to health hazards, this frequently neglected problem demands immediate attention and a robust, long-term solution.

The first stride towards solving this issue lies in acknowledging and understanding the severity of the problem and its consequences. Once recognised, it is clear that water leakage is not a mere trivial inconvenience — it is a significant hurdle in the pursuit of water conservation, health and sustainable living in the Middle East.

Consider these alarming statistics and research on water shortage in the Middle East:

? The World Commission on Water anticipates a 50 percent increase in water use in the next 30 years.

? By 2025, around 4 billion people — half of the global population—will face severe water stress, particularly in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.

? A World Bank study reveals that water leakage in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region accounts for between 20% and 50% of the total water supply.

? In Jordan, water losses are estimated to be as high as 50%.

? In Saudi Arabia, water leakage is estimated at around 25%.

The economic repercussions are also noteworthy:

? Water scarcity is projected to cause economic losses of 6-14% of the MENA region’s GDP by 2050 – the highest in the world.

? Rising water scarcity could also diminish labour demand by up to 12% and result in significant land-use changes, including loss of beneficial hydrological services, specifically in the Middle East.

With these issues under consideration, there are several actionable steps that could help to mitigate water leakages in the Middle East:

1. Utilising technology to detect and monitor leaks, such as acoustic sensors and ground-penetrating radar.

For example: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) uses technology effectively thanks to its High-Water Usage Alert service. It sends instant notifications to customers in case the smart meter detects any unusual rise in consumption to examine the internal connections and fix any leakage in water connections with the help of a technician. This has helped to reduce 217,370 tons of carbon emissions since its launch and until 30 June 2022. This initiative has resulted in a significant reduction in water losses and has also been adopted by other Middle Eastern countries.

2. Investing in infrastructure maintenance and repair, encompassing renovations of old structures and fixing leaks.

Prevention is always better than cure and one of the way leakages can be prevented is by efficient renovations and maintenance. This is where Terraco's waterproofing systems step into the spotlight. Terraco’s Weathercoat GP offers a comprehensive solution for the diverse issues of water leakage.

The product can be used in concrete flat roofs, swimming pools, fountains and cementitious potable water tanks offering a viable defence against water leakage. It forms a watertight barrier that not only prevents water infiltration but also withstands the effects of negative pressure, effectively solving the issue at its root.

As a waterproofing solution for roofs, Terraco offers Flexicoat which is a ready mix, acrylic elastomeric coating that offers superior weather protection. This special coating allows surfaces to breathe while remaining strongly anchored to the substrate. Along with providing a seamless coating and high flexibility, Flexicoat is also effective in reflecting ultra-violet rays.

UltraCrete is another important waterproofing system from Terraco that offers exceptional positive and negative pressure waterproofing. It combines the efficiency and adhesion of high-performance positive pressure water proofers while offering the functionality of a negative pressure grade. UltraCrete also provides a protective layer which has excellent durability and superior tensile strength.

Another crowning jewel within the wide range of waterproofing systems from Terraco is Terraseal, a non-bituminous, weather-resistant, moisture/air barrier and vapour permeable coating, specifically designed for masonry substrates. Terraseal is tested and certified for fire resistance and complies with both ASTM & EN fire test standards (ASTM E84 class-A product) and stands as an ideal substitute for environmentally harmful and fire-risky materials such as bituminous coatings, specifically in fa?ade applications.

Yogesh Devdiya, the Regional Technical Manager at Terraco in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), emphasises the significance of Terraseal, particularly in the context of the country's building fire challenges. He says, "The UAE has displayed commendable dedication to addressing the recurring issue of building fires over recent years. High-rise structures, particularly residential towers, have been susceptible to fires due to the prevalent use of flammable cladding. To tackle this, UAE authorities enforced rigorous fire safety standards, revising the Fire and Life Safety Code in 2018. This step was taken to bolster construction safety and curtail fire hazards. The updated code introduced stricter regulations on cladding materials, decreeing that all buildings should incorporate fire-resistant cladding."

“During this period, the market was dominated by bituminous-based moisture/air barrier coating products. However, Terraco developed Terraseal, a tested and certified fire-resistant, non-bituminous cementitious coating, devoid of harmful substances like bitumen, making it eco-friendly. Terraseal is now extremely popular and widely used in the region as the perfect moisture/air barrier and vapour-permeable coating for fa?ades.”

It is also important to note that using these Terraco products not only prevents water leakages but also halts the development of damp conditions that are conducive to mould growth. In doing so, it safeguards the health of building inhabitants and ensures a more comfortable, pleasant living or working environment.

3. Finally, promoting water conservation is another crucial part of the strategy to combat water leakages. Public education about water conservation can significantly reduce water wastage.

By implementing these measures, the MENA region can decrease water leakages and enhance water security, ensuring a sufficient water supply to meet everyone's basic needs, now and into the future.