Desalination in Kalba stopped after red tide

The operation of water desalination plants in Kalba has been stopped due to red tides.

A view of the red tide close to the Ajman beach on Thursday. — KT photo by M. Sajjad

Ahmed Al Mulla, Director of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) branch in the Eastern region, said his directorate had decided to stop the operation of the desalination plant for the safety of the residents in the region.

He explained that the Sewa regularly test desalinated water to ensure that it meets the required specifications. The operation will resume immediately after the red tides recede in the sea and the Sewa in the Eastern region is making all efforts to offset the effects of the phenomenon in the area.

“We have made a plan to face the red tide issue by increasing the production of desalinated water from the wells until the disappearance of the phenomenon and resuming the operation of the plants,” he said.

The red tide only affected the Kalba area and the Sewa is monitoring the water in Khorfakkan to ensure it is safe for public use.

Low visibility predicted

Meanwhile, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) in Abu Dhabi has warned of low horizontal visibility due to the dust kicked up by wind especially in the Western and interior regions.

The centre has warned of severe disturbance at sea today, urging the seafarers to exercise caution and called on motorists to take extra care on the roads due to the low visibility.— afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

(With inputs from Wam)