Groundwater Management in the Oman
Sultanate of Oman (a case study)
Ahmed Said Al Barwani
1Statement
Key Conclusions & Recommendations
The water of the Sulstanate of Oman is a resource of national importance
There should be a more comprehensive environmental legislation from pollution and depletion and especially wells and aflaj should be better protected through regulation.
Increased promotion of:
1.Re-use of treated effluents in agriculture, 2. introduction of water quotas, 3. awareness raising and public participation through the development of water users association.
Location of Sultanate of Oman
Oman is situated in the south eastern part of Arabian peninsula, surrounded by United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) from north west, Saudi Arabia from the west, Gulf of Oman and Arabian sea from the east and south east .
Oman is classified as an arid country. Heavily dependent on groundwater.
Climate
Two distinct systems, winter and summer
Mean annual temperature 26-29 Celsius
Maximum above 40 Celsius in Summer
Rainfall ranges from less than 50 mm in desert to 300 mm in mountains
Aquifer / Country Setting & Characteristics
Figs-Setting
Governance Perspective & Management Relationships
Groundwater resources/use
Geology
The map on the right which shows the continental and marine shelf sediments of Oman
Surface water resources
Ephemeral Wadis
Ghaily Aflaj
Fig/Tbl-USE
Saline Water Intrusion
3
categories of groundwater flow systems:
• Musandam – Wetter, rugged mountains, mainly drawn from wells, few aflaj.
• Al Batinah – Alluvial fans forms an important aquifer in the area.
(heavily exploited lead to salt water intrusion.)
• Interior – Dominated by a number of major wadi systems.
(Traditionally water use from aflaj.)
• Al Dhahira –Thin alluvial aquifers with small storage.
• Salalah Plain – water is from wells. Groundwater is found in alluvium and limestone.
• A Wusta – Sparsely populated, fresh groundwater is uncommon, occur only wadi depressions.
Gaps & Innovations Lessons Learned Planned Implementing Actions
Heavily exploited alluvial fans have led to salt water intrusion as shown by the figure below
Fig/Tbl Key2
The water situation is being monitored
on a national basis as shown by the table
Fig/Tbl Key3
Monitoring
Development and Management
•Centralization of water resources sectors.
• Initiation of National Well and Aflaj Inventory
• Expansion, upgrading of Hydrometric Networks.
• Well permits
• Protection of Wellfields and aflaj
• Registration and regulation of contractors
• Enforcement of penalties for violation
Prior to renaissance
Resources were in long-term equilibrium with demand. Aflaj self- regulation prevented over-use.
After 1970
Large scale changes in water use, due to oil exploration and production, has led to water demand exceeding the rate of natural recharge
Fig-Schema/Tbl-Governance
1
Water Resources Expert, Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, Oman To balance between renewable water resources and
demand, the following are main issues:
Find new water resources
Introduce water quotas
Protect the water resources from pollution and depletion
Education and public awareness on water conservation
Develop water user associations
Important Actions on conservation of water resources :
The water of the Sultanate is a national resources.
Water Protection Law-regulation on wells and aflaj and desalination units.
Water supply well field protection zones.
Groundwater resources/use Saline water intrusion Saline water Monitoring
Although Oman is an arid country, it is blessed with good natural fresh water resources.
These resources should be carefully managed to meet the need of new generations.
Public awareness information campaigns should be augmented.
Treated wastewater should be used for agriculture and recharge of aquifers.
Counteract action was initiated in the resource augmentation and
substitution Disturbance of the once existed
equilibrium
Key regulatory measures and resources protection were put in
place, linked to water management and conservation:
Well permitting,
Well protection
Solid and wastewater disposal and treatment
Groundwater cleanup Non-integrated water management
and centralization:
Formation of the Ministry of Water Resources since 1989
Merging of water resources sector with Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment in 2001
Innovations Previous Gaps
DISCLAIMER: Poster draft prepared by IWRM.org on behalf of the author(s). Any inconsistencies between author(s) input materials and the poster is unintentional.
