Desalinated water is safe for use but keep the tanks clean

ras al khaimah — A top official at the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) allayed fears over using desalinated water for drinking and cooking.

Mohammed Saleh, directorgeneral of Fewa, said: “All the water produced from five main sources is fit for human consumption and can be used in drinking and cooking. The desalinated water we produce for home-based consumption is absolutely bacteria-free, and safe to drink.”

“Three health conditions should be met for home water tankers, though,” he added. “All water tankers, pipes and fittings at home must be anti-rust, must leave no residuals at any part of the home water network as well as the tankers should further be tightly covered to let no pollutants or bugs in.”

The Fewa produces up to 100 million gallons of desalinated water on a daily basis for northern areas of the country. The Fewa is now operating 10 water desalination stations that supply the water needs of the people in the northern emirates,

The desalinated water we produce for homebased consumption is absolutely bacteria-free, and safe to drink.”

Mohammed Saleh, director-general, Fewa

including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, he said. “Six of these stations produce 44 million gallons of desalinated seawater.”

The other four stations produce eight million gallons of desalinated water that initially comes from underground water.

“The Fewa runs other seawater desalination stations that are multi evaporation-operated, and these produce 25 million gallons of water every day. Desalinated water is also imported from other sources in the country to meet the pressing demand.” Saleh added that that the water is being produced meeting international standards. Saleh said. “The type and validity of the water produced is also examined at Fewa accredited labs on a regular basis.” Remember, it’s summer and you must do your part to ensure drinking water safety. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com