ABSTRACT
Water resources in arid climates are scarce. Recharging of water is less due to poor rainfall. Existing water resources may also contain high-salinity water. Arid climates have highly ambient temperatures. Some of the arid regions are rich in mineral resources whereas others are not. The scenario is quite different for the two cases. For areas that are rich in mineral resources and blessed with abundant fossil fuel, desalination is well established to augment existing water resources. However, reject brine disposal is one of the problems in inland areas of arid regions. In the arid areas that are poor in mineral resources
and infrastructure, scarce water resources can be augmented either by transporting good quality water from long distances or desalination and water reuse. The plans for transporting water from long distances by launching water supply projects require huge financial outlays and long periods of construction. The submergence of vast areas of land and displacement of inhabitants can cause serious socioenvironmental concerns. There is substantial loss of water due to seepage and evapora tion in the distribution network. The water supply schemes may also be criticized by the public for transferring water from one area to another area instead of producing good quality water and adding to the resources.
