Sick water?

carbon sinks (Nelleman et al , 2009). However, loss of these ecosystems, or overburdening through poor management of water and wastewater compromises the integrity of these ecosystems and the services they provide. Resulting in, con- tamination of fish stocks, algae blooms, a rise in dead zones

along the coasts, and subsequent loss of livelihoods and food security. The continued provision of these services requires management that will support healthy and functioning eco- systems, not just in the marine environment, but in the entire watershed.

Water desalination Water desalination

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia

5 000 Desalination capacity Thousand of cubic metres per day Desalination capacity Thousand of cubic metres per day

5 000

United States United States

4 000

4 000

UAE

UAE

3 000

3 000

Italy Netherlands Italy Netherlands

UK

Japan

UK

South Korea South Korea

Iran

Japan

Russia

2 000

Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean

Israel

Iran

Kazakhstan Russia

Spain

2 000

Israel

Taiwan

Mexico

Netherland Antilles Netherland Antilles

Libya

Algeria

Kazakhstan

Hong Kong

Spain

Oman

India

Egypt

Taiwan

Mexico

Libya

Algeria

Iraq

Hong Kong

Qatar

Oman

India

Singapore

Egypt

Bahrain Qatar Bahrain

1 000

Iraq

Indonesia

Indian Ocean Indian Ocean

Kuwait

Singapore

Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean

1 000

Indonesia

Kuwait

Chile

Australia

South Africa

Chile

Australia

South Africa

0

Note: only countries with more than 70 000 cubic metres per day are shown.

Sources: Pacific Institute, The World’s Water, 2009.

0

Note: only countries with more than 70 000 cubic metres per day are shown.

Sources: Pacific Institute, The World’s Water, 2009.

Figure 18: Desalination is an increasingly important practice to secure clean water in a number of countries. Monitoring is key to minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem.

47