KUWAIT CITY, Oct 8: The committee established to determine the uses of treated water (triple and quadruple) met for the first time, chaired by Dr. Mishaan Al-Otaibi, Director of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Mahmoud Boushehri, the Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, and representatives from the various government agencies involved in the committee.

During the meeting, Al-Otaibi emphasized that the committee, which consists of multiple relevant stakeholders, is tasked with studying the optimal utilization of treated water. The goal is to maximize the use of all quantities produced from treated water to prevent any surplus from going unused. The committee will explore avenues for using treated water for purposes such as agriculture, tree planting, and other applications in residential areas.

He explained that the Minister prioritized establishing the committee as an executive body capable of implementing its decisions. This means that the committee's role extends beyond developing visions and recommendations; it will also submit its reports to the Public Services Committee within the Council of Ministers and initiate practical procedures to utilize treated water effectively.

Al-Otaibi noted the potential benefits of optimal treated water utilization, including alleviating pressure on the freshwater produced by the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, which incurs significant production costs. This initiative will also have environmental and agricultural implications, contributing to food security and other areas that the committee may address with the Services Committee.

The committee will focus on the following tasks:

Identifying all optimal uses of treated water in sustainable development programs, including industries such as oil, construction, landscaping, and other related fields.

Assessing the current status of treated water networks and exploring ways to enhance them according to the proposed uses, which may include evaluating the feasibility of establishing dedicated filling stations for treated water and overhead water towers in the Wafra and Abdali areas.

Investigating the possibility of creating artificial lakes and extensive waterways using treated water in agricultural reserves and border areas, with the aim of preserving wildlife and vegetation while considering any potential environmental impacts, particularly given the high evaporation rates during summer.

Proposing an executive framework for the proposed and approved uses by committee members, along with an estimate of their initial financial costs.

Reviewing any relevant topics referred to the committee by the competent minister.