Groundwater levels rise in parts of Muscat

MUSCAT: The groundwater levels have risen in some areas of Muscat Governorate, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources has said.

A study conducted by the ministry in cooperation with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) found an “accumulation of surface water” in some areas of the governorate, especially Ansab and Darsait.

The ministry and SQU have been observing for a while the water level rise in some areas of Muscat Governorate (Ansab, Al Amerat, the area around Muscat International Airport, Al Khuwair and Darsait). Results of the introductory report of the scientific study indicate the groundwater often accumulates in the wadi sediments near coast, in wadi streams and solid rocks.

The groundwater levels in the upper reserve areas of Al Amerat are at a depth of 10-20 metres and in the lower reserve areas at 1-5 metres.

In Al Khoudh and areas around Muscat airport, it is at 5-55 metres.

The study aims at determining water sources in these areas besides understanding the change in chemistry of groundwater to know the sources of pollution.

The study has been assessing the impact of natural and human factors on the rise in groundwater levels.

The first phase of the project includes field visits to study and record geology, hydrogeology and terrain in these areas.