Minetek’s Contribution to Sustainable Water Management in Saudi Municipalities

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) spans a vast area of approximately 2.25 million km², making it one of the driest regions in the world. The country faces a critical shortage of renewable freshwater, worsened by the lack of perennial rivers and permanent water bodies, along with extremely high evaporation rates. These challenging conditions severely limit the availability of fresh water, presenting an urgent issue that requires immediate action.

Since the discovery of oil in the 1950s, KSA has experienced rapid economic growth and population expansion. The population grew from under 4 million in 1960 to over 32.5 million by 2018 and is projected to surpass 56 million by 2050. This rapid growth is intensifying pressure on the country’s already strained water resources, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable water solutions.

The Water Crisis in Saudi Arabia

In the 1980s, Saudi Arabia launched an ambitious agricultural development program aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency. However, this initiative heavily depended on groundwater extraction from non-renewable aquifers, leading to a drastic depletion and deterioration of groundwater levels and quality. Despite having just 84.8 cubic meters (m³) of renewable water per capita annually—well below the global average of 6,000 m³—Saudi Arabia ranks among the highest in per capita water consumption, averaging 353 liters per day. The situation is expected to worsen, with water demand projected to increase by 56% by 2035.

The water sector in Saudi Arabia faces several critical challenges. High per capita water usage, rising energy costs tied to desalination, low water tariffs, and infrastructure inefficiencies all contribute to the growing crisis. While Saudi Arabia is a global leader in desalinated water production, this alone will not be enough to meet future demand. Currently, only 10% of wastewater is reused, despite the vast potential for treated wastewater to alleviate water scarcity. In 2019, Saudi Arabia produced 850 million m³ of treated wastewater, which could significantly reduce water stress if more effectively utilized. These challenges highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions in the water sector.

The Need for Innovative Water Management Solutions

Innovative and sustainable approaches are essential for tackling the complex water management challenges faced by Saudi Arabia. Minetek Agua brings forward solutions specifically tailored to the unique conditions of the region’s municipalities, playing a pivotal role in driving water sustainability efforts.

Minetek leads the way in industrial water management, drawing on decades of expertise to support key players in mining, power generation, and oil and gas sectors in achieving environmentally sustainable practices. Our reliable evaporator systems are engineered to meet the demanding needs of these industries, delivering effective, cost-efficient solutions while ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards.

We offer a comprehensive range of mechanical water evaporation and water quality management technologies, renowned for their durability and economic efficiency. These systems have been rigorously tested and proven in some of the world’s most challenging industrial environments, enabling operators to prioritize both production and profitability without compromising on sustainability.

Minetek’s Mechanical Evaporation Systems for Water Management

Minetek’s Mechanical Evaporation Systems are designed with cutting-edge technology to address the unique water management challenges faced by municipalities across Saudi Arabia. Built to endure harsh environmental conditions, such as sand and dust storms, and adaptable to varying water qualities, these systems ensure reliable, long-term performance.

Our systems operate by pumping water at high pressure through specially engineered nozzles, atomizing it into fine droplets. These droplets are then released into the atmosphere, where they evaporate, leaving behind solids, salts, heavy metals, and other contaminants. This innovative method effectively combats water scarcity in Saudi municipalities, offering a sustainable solution that supports environmental stewardship objectives.

Automated for maximum efficiency, our systems reduce the need for labour-intensive operations, streamlining water management processes. Additionally, our closed-loop Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system reflects our dedication to environmental sustainability, ensuring water is returned to the natural cycle while meeting stringent environmental KPIs and ZLD agreements. The mobility of our systems adds operational flexibility, allowing them to be easily relocated between sites for optimal performance in a variety of conditions.

With over 600 systems installed globally, Minetek Water has revolutionized wastewater management, solidifying its leadership in sustainable solutions and positioning itself to effectively support Saudi Arabian municipalities in overcoming their water management challenges.