Until 1975, water use in Bahrain was almost exclusively met by the groundwater resources, but, the continuous withdrawal from the groundwater (controlled and uncontrolled) resulted in a significant decrease in the water table level and an increase of its salinity level. Currently Bahrain relies heavily on desalination, with a total installed capacity of around 180 MIGD (1), divided on four stations using either thermal or membrane technologies. Water main consumers are the commercial, domestic and industrial sector.
University of Bahrain, being the largest educational campus in Bahrain is also the main educational water consumer, with its total population (students and staff) increasing in a yearly basis, the need for water management strategies is one of the university priorities.
The University has focused in the recent years on establishing a strong water research focusing on desalination and water treatment. Also, the university implemented new irrigation system to fulfil the need to keep the campus green in the middle of the desert. The university also has Sewage treatment plant (STP) on campus, the treated water is mostly used for landscaping and irrigation.
References:
(1) EWA annual report 2018 http://www.ewa.bh/en/AboutUs/AnnualReport/statistics%202018.pdf