Water stress in Tunisia is at a critical stage classified as ‘Absolute Water Scarcity’ and predicted to get worse. Tunisia has an arid climate and is prone to drought. Tunisia is ranked as one of the most water stressed countries in the world. The latest figures show, Tunisia with annual per capita renewable water availability of 413 m³, well below the annual average of 1200 m³/capita for MENA region. Water reserves stored in dams have fallen sharply. Ground water aquifers are being depleted at an alarming rate.
Industrial waste water recycling for reuse alone cannot solve Tunisia’s water problems, however, it is one of the best solutions available to ease the stress on water supplies. Recycling and reusing water used in manufacturing and mining operations can be implemented and operational much quicker than most other solutions such as building sea desalination plants and additional dams. In addition, capital expenditures for the necessary systems are the financial responsibility of the business owners rather than the government.
Waste water recycling and reuse systems not only promote water conservation and environmental stewardship, they make financial sense for business owners. The capital expenditure for recycling/reuse systems typically reduce operating expenses. Many times, this results in investment payback periods of 3-7 years for equipment that has an operational life of over 20 years. In addition, this technology prevents the discharge of environmentally harmful waste water into municipal sewer systems which were not designed to treat industrial contaminants.
It is the responsibility of government regulatory agencies to implement policies which encourage companies to adopt environmentally responsible behavior. In Tunisia, many companies have chosen to pay fines for discharging environmentally harmful waste water rather than investing in waste water recycling/reuse systems. If the fines exceeded the companies financial pain threshold, they would pursue better practices. Tax credits can also be used to encourage capital expenditures which are not only good financially for the company, but good for the environment and community.
Lastly, the Tunisian government and industries must have a sense of urgency. The technology is available. The water stress relief gained with industrial waste water recycle/reuse is needed immediately. The time to act is now.
Christopher E. Martin/CEO
Global Enviro Science
