Following a recent shutdown of a desalination facility, water experts are warning that the nation’s current water management strategy is dangerously reliant on high-tech infrastructure. With approximately 80% of the country's drinking water currently sourced from coastal desalination plants, critics argue that this centralization creates a significant vulnerability in the national water supply.

In response to the outage, experts are urging policymakers to move away from a singular focus on desalination. The proposed shift involves a more diversified approach, including the revival of dormant groundwater wells, the restoration of natural water buffers, and the implementation of stricter water conservation measures. The goal of these proposals is to reduce the country's dependence on coastal facilities, which are susceptible to technical failures and potential security risks.

While the desalination plants have been essential in addressing chronic water shortages, the recent shutdown has served as a catalyst for a broader debate on sustainability. Proponents of the new masterplan argue that relying almost exclusively on industrial desalination is a form of complacency that leaves the population at risk if the technology fails. The discussion highlights a growing consensus among some experts that a mix of traditional water sourcing and modern technology is necessary to ensure long-term water security.