Use of aquifers in Saudi Arabia to reclaim and store wastewaters

Achi M. Ishaq*, Amir Ali Khan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In recent years there has been an alarming depletion of groundwater resources in the aquifers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to increasing agricultural and urban water requirements. Efforts are being made to increase the use of reclaimed wastewater. The sixth development plan of the Kingdom envisages the use of 310 MCM of reclaimed treated wastewater by the year 1998-1999. Wastewater recharge is one of the most promising techniques available for reclaiming treated wastewater. Expected water quality improvements and economic considerations strongly favor the undertaking of large scale recharge projects to replenish the depleting water tables in the Kingdom. Alluvial aquifers and the outcrops of large aquifers would be suitable sites for recharge. The use of aquifers as multi-year reservoirs of the reclaimed wastewater could significantly reduce evaporation losses and construction costs associated with surface storage. The recharged water can be withdrawn and can be used for irrigation and possibly for potable use.

Original languageEnglish
Pages905-910
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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