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The Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) is one of the world’s most water-scarce regions, with the increasing populations and the impact of climate change adding to the water scarcity. Meanwhile, a recent study indicates that the region is losing at least 54% of the nutrient-rich wastewater.

In combating this, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) announced the plans to develop a new AI-powered platform, called e-ReWater, to improve wastewater reuse in the MENA region, backed by $1 million in grant funding from Google.org, Google’s philanthropy.

The three-year project is designed to improve wastewater reuse in the region.

Powered by AI and earth observation data, the platform will use remote sensing technologies to monitor land, seas, and the atmosphere. Satellites will help estimate the availability of new water resources and improve water reuse, thereby reducing the impact of water scarcity in the MENA region and improving food and water security.

Moreover, researchers will work on constructing an online dashboard that gives access to information on wastewater reuse and the potential of recycling in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. 

“Water scarcity is one of the most critical environmental issues facing people in the Middle East & North Africa. By supporting IWMI’s efforts to use AI in order to improve water reuse, we’re aiming to help people in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia,”  said Adam Elman, Head of Regional Sustainability, EMEA at Google.

Rachael McDonnell, Deputy Director General of IWMI, added, “This new data tool will help water managers bring recycled water into their future management plans to ease water stress for some users.”