Archive for August 6, 2014

Erkin | August 6, 2014
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Water Shortages In Middle East Could Mean Further Oil Hikes

The publication of the latest Water Security Risk Index from Maplecroft has shown that many oil producing countries are rated ‘extreme risk’ when it comes to the stability of their water supplies.

The Water Security Risk Index is an annual report produced by Maplecroft that measures the future stability of water supplies across 162 countries and this year, six OPEC countries: Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Libya were rated ‘extreme risk’, while Iran and Qatar were rated ‘high risk’.

water-shortages-in-middle-eastThe danger is that disruption to water supplies could, in turn, lead to higher oil prices, as high volumes of water are needed in the oil production process. Huge quantities of ‘lift water’ are often used to force oil from wells with insufficient geological pressure to bring the oil to the surface. If sufficient water is unavailable, then this could result in interruptions in production, oil shortages and inevitable hikes in the cost of a barrel of oil. Read more

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Erkin | August 5, 2014
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Improving water security with blue, green, and gray water

acquaAgriculture is one of the most insatiable consumers of dwindling water resources around the world. And food production will need to increase by about 70% over the next 35 years to meet the needs of a growing population. Crops aren’t creating the only demands; agriculture will face competition for water from cities, industries, and recreation.

With limited water and the increasing number of people depending on it, water security is tenuous. But integrated water management plans using “blue,” “green,” and “gray” water can increase water security. What do these colors mean and why are these waters vital? Read more

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