Oman faces water deficit of 316 million cubic metres each year

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday marked World Water Day, themed ‘Groundwater – Making the Invisible Visible.’

Oman, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and other departments concerned, attach great attention to the water sector since the advent of the modern Omani Renaissance.

The Ministry has established 12 artificial rain stations to enhance the amount of rainfall, which will lead to an increase in the level of groundwater.

The ministry said that in 2021, a project was implemented to connect 6 artificial rain stations through a microwave communications system.

The annual renewable water resources in Oman are estimated at 1,318 million cubic metres and demand for these resources is increasing, particularly in the agricultural field. The water deficit in Oman is estimated at 316 million cubic metres each year.

Groundwater represents 83 per cent of water sources in Oman, followed by desalination water at 10 per cent. Surface water constitutes only 5 per cent, while treated wastewater represents only 2 per cent.

The ministry pointed out that dam projects of various types were implemented in Oman due to their importance in feeding the aquifer and limiting the overlap of sea water with groundwater aquifer.

The number of dams in Oman reached 174 by the end of 2021. The number of new permits issued in 2021 reached 1274, including 876 for digging new water wells.