The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced the commissioning of a new water reservoir in Enkhali, a strategic move aimed at safeguarding Dubai's water supply in the event of emergencies.
New Enkhali Reservoir
This reservoir, with a significant storage capacity of 120 million imperial gallons (MIG), represents a substantial investment, costing AED 287.8 million ($78.3 million).
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, emphasized the importance of this development in bolstering the efficiency and reliability of the city's water network. He highlighted that the Enkhali reservoir, along with other existing and planned reservoirs in Lusaily, Hassyan, and Hatta, forms a critical part of DEWA's strategy to enhance water flow and increase the volume of water reserves. These efforts are essential to meet the growing demand and support the sustainable development of Dubai. Al Tayer projected that upon completion of these projects, Dubai’s water storage capacity will rise significantly, from the current 1001.3 MIG to 1121.3 MIG of desalinated water.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Project
Additionally, these reservoirs complement the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project, an ambitious initiative by DEWA. The first phase of this project has already been completed, and when fully realized by 2025, it will be capable of storing up to 6,000 million imperial gallons of water. This project stands out as the largest ASR of its kind globally, designed to store potable water and ensure its availability during emergencies, thus providing a robust backup to Dubai's water supply system.
According to Abdullah Obaidullah, DEWA's Executive Vice President of Water and Civil, the new reservoir in Enkhali meets all of the most stringent international requirements. The infrastructure of Dubai is designed to satisfy both present and future demands, and it is DEWA's unwavering dedication to reliability and quality that makes its operations stand out.
The Enkhali reservoir, by significantly increasing the water storage capacity, plays a pivotal role in DEWA's overarching plan to enhance Dubai's water infrastructure. This development is not just about increasing capacity; it is also about improving the overall resilience of the water supply system. With Dubai's rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for water is continually rising. Ensuring a stable and sufficient water supply is crucial for the city's continued growth and prosperity.
Moreover, the financial investment in these water projects reflects Dubai’s commitment to maintaining high standards in public utility services. By investing in advanced water storage solutions, DEWA is taking proactive steps to mitigate risks associated with water shortages and ensure long-term sustainability. This strategic approach aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a leading sustainable city, resilient to environmental and man-made challenges.
DEWA's commissioning of the Enkhali water reservoir is a significant milestone in Dubai's efforts to enhance its water supply infrastructure. This project, along with other ongoing and planned initiatives, underscores DEWA's dedication to ensuring a reliable, efficient, and sustainable water supply for the city's future. By adhering to the highest international standards and leveraging innovative storage solutions, Dubai is well-positioned to meet its growing water demands and safeguard its resources against future uncertainties.