DROPS-Integrated Framework for Potable Water Quality, Consumption Dynamics, and Sustainable Transition in Qatar

This project establishes an integrated water management framework to strengthen Qatar’s capacity to manage potable water consumption under arid climate conditions, rapid urbanization, and environmental pressures that influence water quality perception and use. At its core, the project develops a system-dynamics framework to model transitions between tap and bottled water consumption, integrating infrastructure conditions, behavioral factors, and climate-driven variability. The framework evaluates targeted interventions aimed at increasing tap-water uptake while quantifying associated economic and environmental trade-offs. The project also responds to the growing need for greater visibility and transparency regarding the quality of water consumed. It investigates consumer behavior, confidence drivers, and expenditure patterns related to bottled water reliance. A key component involves screening for microplastics in bottled water to scientifically quantify the environmental implications of plastic-based consumption. The framework is supported by the development and validation of enabling technologies, including smart household filtration systems and advanced Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) units. A hybrid AWG system integrated with smart filtration will be designed and tested to provide a safe, reliable, and resilient potable water source in high-consumption facilities, replacing bottled water fountains and assessing operational feasibility and user acceptance. The ultimate goal is to deliver a data-driven decision-support framework that informs policy, reduces plastic waste, strengthens public confidence in potable water systems, and supports sustainable water management strategies in Qatar.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)