Demand for potable water in the GCC region will reach 11.9 million cubic meters a day by 2025. A study commissioned by the GCC recommends a common water network linking all GCC countries be established to prevent future water shortages. It also proposes a network model for regular demand and a separate model for emergency situations. The study proposed the common water network supply water from two desalination centers in times of regular demand. One center will produce to meet the need, while the second will guarantee a reserve supply equivalent to each country’s need. In times of acute shortage, the common water network will supply water directly to the region in need. Recommendations also included strategies to enhance available water resources; embrace new technology in the production and treatment of water; prevent water pollution; reduce water loss; and the installation of water saving devices across the network from desalination plants to the end consumer. In a related development, Water Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen yesterday signed 26 contracts worth SR 570 million to implement water and sewage projects in various parts of the country, including Riyadh, Jazan, Al-Jouf, Hail, Madinah, Al-Ahsa, Dammam, Alkhobar, Najran and Tabuk. Meanwhile, the 13 plants of Saline Water Conversion Corporation on the Red Sea posted a new record last Ramadan by supplying 2.56 million cubic meters of water daily. From : Arabnews