Water Conservation in Desert Regions

Asiya Siddiqui
Jan 27
2 min read

By: Jonas Wahlstedt

March 10, 2024

Water scarcity is a global issue, however, notoriously arid regions must utilize innovative

techniques and practices to ensure that water is used as efficiently as possible. In

recent years water saving methods have been introduced and improved upon, allowing

agriculture and life to exist in areas where it would have previously been unthinkable.

Camels drinking water in the desert.

Water Harvesting

Water harvesting involves farmers collecting rainwater or runoff for further

agricultural use, essentially a form of water recycling. While this method is only possible

in areas that receive rainfall, it allows agricultural families and companies to store

water during rainy periods to use when a dry spell occurs. The popularity of this technique can be attributed to its simplicity, efficiency, and low cost.

Another innovative water conservation technique is the use of soil moisture sensors. Sensors are placed into the soil, allowing the technology to measure moisture levels in

the ground across a wide area. These sensors provide farmers and companies with valuable information, ensuring that crops receive adequate water and reducing waste by stopping water flow when an ideal moisture level is obtained. As the technology associated with sensors continues to improve, these sensors will likely become even more efficient and useful, allowing for more extra savings.

Desalination

Desalination is used in arid regions that lack sources of freshwater and are located

near or on the coast. Access to the ocean is crucial for desalination plants, as the process requires saltwater, which is then converted into freshwater. Historically, this technique has been too expensive for most nations struggling with fresh water, which is why it was more popular in wealthy regions such as the Gulf of the Middle East. However, technological advancements are enabling this process to become more affordable and accessible, allowing poorer nations to utilize this invention.

There are currently around 16,000 water desalination plants in an estimated 177 countries. The desalination technique can be used anywhere with access to the ocean, meaning this technology may be the most effective in addressing the long-term water crisis.

Water scarcity currently affects hundreds of millions of people and threatens to harm many more. A silver lining is technological advancements that efficiently use water and decrease overall waste. Drip irrigation, water harvesting techniques, and desalination plants will make the water crisis more manageable in the future.

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References: Biovision, (2020). Available at:

https://eoai-africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BioVision-Water-Harvest

ing-Technics-Poster.pdf.

Chibani, (2023). The Costs and Benefits of Water Desalination in the Gulf.

Arab Center Washington DC. Available at:

https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/the-costs-and-benefits-of-water-desalinati

on-in-the-gulf/.

Dove & Bowie, (2023). How Desalination Works. HowStuffWorks. Available

at:https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/de