RIYADH, 12 June 2004 — The Ministry of Water has signed a SR20 million contract with a German firm to study the ground water reserves in the Kingdom.
The last available data are 20 years old. Since they were collected, evidence indicates an alarming decline in the water table. As a result, SR285 million has been made available for a nationwide hydrological survey, to be conducted over two years, said Dr. Ali S. Al-Tokhais, deputy minister for water affairs. Besides existing aquifers, the study will be extended to promising areas in the Tihama region, where rainfall averages 600 mm per year, as well as in the Rub Al-Khali or Empty Quarter.
The survey will begin with the Umm Raduma aquifer, which covers the Eastern Province. There is a large drinking water project in the area that will produce 350,000 cubic meters of water per day from 65 wells. The data will be used to produce mathematical models to enable experts to forecast ground water resources precisely on a minute-by-minute basis.
A second study will include the Sag aquifer, which supports a large number of agricultural projects in the central and northern parts of the Kingdom. In the light of the water situation in the Kingdom, the ministry has prohibited the drilling of new water wells without a license. There will be a penalty of SR5,000 for both the driller and the owner of the land for drilling without a license, and the number of wells will also be restricted. It is hoped that farmers will concentrate on drip irrigation and greenhouses, and begin to take the need to conserve water seriously. Some areas have also been reserved for drinking water projects only, where agricultural projects have been prohibited altogether.
The ministry is also in the process of revising water tariffs. Those consuming up to 150 liters per day will not be affected, as the move is aimed at the high consumption range of 400 liters or more.
Saudi Arabia consumes 230 liters per capita daily, compared with 150 liters in Europe. As part of a water consumption campaign, the ministry will be distributing water conservation kits, with the aim of reducing water flow by 40 percent. Over a million households in different parts of the Kingdom will be provided with these kits.
