Some countries may import water for specific purposes, such as agriculture or industrial use. It’s worth noting that these countries are located in regions with limited freshwater resources and high demand for water due to arid climates and growing populations. The top 5 countries that import water are:
- Singapore
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Singapore imports a significant amount of its water from neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia through long-term agreements. Under the water agreements with Malaysia and Indonesia, Singapore imports water from the Johor River in Malaysia and the Riau Islands in Indonesia. The imported water is treated at local water treatment plants before it is distributed to households, industries, and other users in Singapore.
- Qatar imports most of its water, primarily for desalination, from other countries due to its limited freshwater resources. Due to its arid climate and limited water resources, Qatar has invested heavily in desalination technology to provide a reliable source of drinking water for its population.
- Kuwait Like other countries in the Middle East, Kuwait has limited freshwater resources and relies heavily on desalination plants to provide drinking water for its population. Kuwait imports water from various sources, including neighboring countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as through international suppliers.
- Bahrain, Bahrain imports most of its water from neighboring countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as through international suppliers. The country also has a strategic water reserve, which is used to ensure a consistent supply of water during periods of high demand or emergencies.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) imports most of its water through desalination plants, which use seawater from the Persian Gulf to produce freshwater. The UAE has also explored the possibility of importing water from other countries as a long-term solution to its water scarcity issues.
Other countries who imports water for their needs are Mexico, Malta, Cyprus, Jamaica, Lebanon. They are exploring other options to reduce its water consumption and increase its water supply, such as water conservation initiatives, wastewater treatment, and the development of new water sources through desalination and other methods.
