RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz University’s Water Research Center has launched a project aimed at conserving water in the Kingdom’s valleys, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The research center is working on hydrological atlases focusing on surface and groundwater resources in different regions.
It has already completed work on the regions of Makkah and Jazan, as well as Madinah, Hail, and Al-Qassim. It has started work on atlases for the Tabuk and Al-Jouf regions.
The project aims to focus on Saudi Arabia’s rising water consumption amid a growing population.
The atlases look to educate scientific bodies, specialized research institutes, and decision-makers about the hydrology of distinct valley basins, as well as their impact on surface water supplies and groundwater recharge.
Advanced monitoring technologies, remote sensing techniques, and geographic information systems will be used throughout the research process.
The atlases will seek to promote optimal rainwater usage while reducing flood risks.
Dr. Iqbal Ismail, director of the university’s research center, spoke of the project’s mission to address water issues locally, nationally, regionally, and internationally through research, consultations, training, and information dissemination.
The center plans to establish a database focused on water resources in Saudi Arabia and link it to regional and international databases.
