Urban Water Security in Bahrain: Demand Management, Desalination Costs, and Climate Resilience Insights

Our Future Water Intelligence has released the Urban Water Security and Demand Management in Bahrain report, a comprehensive analysis of Bahrain’s urban water challenges, policies, and infrastructure. Authored by Robert C. Brears, Founder of Our Future Water Intelligence and an internationally recognized voice on global water security with publications from Oxford University Press, Palgrave, and Springer Nature, this report delivers an authoritative, data-driven assessment of Bahrain’s transition toward sustainable water management.

Key Findings

• Bahrain has relied 100% on desalinated water since 2020, with groundwater reserved only for emergency use.

• Per capita consumption remains high, averaging 273 liters per person per day in 2022, with the domestic sector accounting for 77.4% of demand.

• Meeting demand through desalination is costly: US$11 billion cumulative expenditures and 78 million tons of CO₂ emissions are projected between 2013–2030.

• Despite subsidies of US$326 million annually, consumer payments cover only ~20% of supply costs, creating fiscal and equity challenges.

• Demand management measures—smart meters, tariff reforms, leak detection, and conservation campaigns—are reshaping Bahrain’s water sector, supported by the National Water Strategy 2030 and Green Climate Fund programs.

Expert Insight

“Bahrain has made remarkable progress in efficiency and resilience, yet faces escalating risks from high consumption and total reliance on desalination,” said Robert C. Brears, Founder of Our Future Water Intelligence. “This report equips decision-makers with the foresight to balance economic, environmental, and social priorities in one of the most water-stressed nations globally.”

What’s Inside the Report

• Comprehensive analysis of Bahrain’s water demand, supply, and institutional framework.

• Review of governance including tariff structures, subsidy reforms, and regulatory frameworks.

• Assessment of infrastructure, from desalination plants and wastewater treatment to smart meters and stormwater systems.

• Evaluation of demand management tools, including pricing, awareness campaigns, and efficiency technologies.

• Future pathways addressing subsidy reform, universal smart meter deployment, and scaling greywater and wastewater reuse.

Why This Report Matters

As a small island state with no renewable freshwater resources, Bahrain is at the global forefront of urban water security challenges. While desalination has secured universal access, the economic burden, high consumption, and climate risks demand a decisive shift toward demand-side solutions. This report provides the intelligence needed to support policymakers, utilities, and investors in navigating Bahrain’s water future sustainably