PROJECTS
Water Resource Plan, Qatar
The problem
Water consumption in Qatar is high despite it being one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. Desalination provides 60 percent of Qatar’s water, but its high cost and low tariffs create a fiscal drain that becomes less sustainable as hydrocarbon receipts fall. The country’s only natural aquifer has been over-abstracted to provide water for agriculture to promote food security. At current abstraction rates the aquifer will be exhausted in the next decade or two.
How we helped
Castalia helped develop principles for sustainable and optimal use of water resources within Qatar’s National Development Strategy 2018-2022. To do this we forecast water demand based on population and economic growth projections, demonstrating the unsustainability of existing water management practices. We advised that, to optimize use of water resources, water from all sources should be treated as being as valuable as desalinated water (the marginal resource). This pointed to guiding principles such as maximizing use of recycled water (treated sewage effluent), promoting water efficiency in both urban and agriculture uses, and building a water reserve through aquifer recharge.
Impact
Our water resource management principles were incorporated in Qatar’s National Development Strategy 2018-2022.
Our team
Find out more
How can we help you?
How can we help you?
WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
Sinclair House, 3 Glenside Crescent
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (0)1 85 64 10 22
3B Rue Taylor
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-121
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.

WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
74D France Street, Newton South
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (1) 73 44 26 97
6 Rue Duret
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-127
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.
