Analytical and forecasting study for wastewater treatment and water resources in Saudi Arabia

Water treatment is a strategic solution to resolve the water shortage in agricultural and industrial sectors in Saudi Arabia. Rainfall, which is not a reliable water source varies from 50 mm in most of the country to 500 mm per year in the southwest region. Lack of incentive and poor water treatment levels are the main challenges in the water treatment industry. Water consumption in 2018 (around 3360 million m3) was almost 70% higher than it was in 2007. Similarly, the total volume of municipal wastewater increased steadily and is predicted to rise dramatically between 2025 and 2050 to reach 5090 million m3. Treated water volumes rose by nearly 200 % between 2007 and 2018 and is expected to grow annually by 4% between 2025 to 2050