Analysis of freshwater consumption pattern in Kuwait and its implications for water management

The pattern of freshwater consumption in Kuwait has been studied. The increase in population, introduction of piped water to most of the residential areas of Kuwait, and the development of new residential areas appear to be responsible for the rapid rise in consumption over the period 1970-98. The annual consumption of freshwater has increased from a little over 6600 million imperial gallons (> 30 million m³) in 1970 to near 78 500 million imperial gallons (≃ 357 million m³) in 1998. The average per capita water consumption has increased from 25.3 IG/d (113 l/d) in 1970 to 104.1 IG/d (464 l/d) in 1998. This rather high consumption rate, combined with the scarcity of water in arid Kuwait, brings the issues related to the management of available water resources to the forefront.