Evaluation the Groundwater Salinity throughout Sultanate of Oman Using GIS

By
William Bajjali, Ph.D.
Hydrogeologist & GIS Expert

Brief Introduction

Groundwater resources are considered one of the most precious matters in Sultanate of Oman. Unfortunately for the last 30 years the overexploitation of the groundwaters have deteriorated the quality of water resources. Consequently, their quality have shifted from fresh water to brackish water.

The importance of protecting the groundwater cannot be overstated. In economic term, the measurable contribution of water to the Omani economy is quite clear. Oman is an agricultural country and high percent of population rely on their living on farming.

In environmental term, water is a source of life, without a steadily supply of good quality water all life will be affected, and that could jeopardize our existing.

Our mighty GOD has blessed Oman with plenty of water resources. However, the abundance of water has led many to misuse and abuse these inestimable resources. High percent of groundwater due to deterioration became unusable.

This study characterizes the groundwater quality and status of around 20,000 wells from different regions of Oman using the GIS technology

Traditionally the groundwater has been classified upon their Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content. The following limits are adopted in this study.

Objectives of the research

1. Evaluate the quality of groundwater

2. Identify the origin of salinity

3. Determine the source of contamination

4. Propose ways and methods for water conservation and groundwater protection

Image 1: Salinity Distribution in Dhofar Region (Sallalah)

Image 2: Salinity Distribution in Batineh Region

Image 3: Salinity Distribution in Muscat Region

Image 4: Salinity Distribution in Sharqiyah Region

Image 5: Salinity Distribution in Musandam Region

Image 6: Salinity Distribution in Adh Dhahirah Region