Sustainable water resources management plan for Wadi Hanifa in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Wadi Hanifah is one of the major natural landmarks in the middle part of Najd plateau. It represents the natural drain for the surface water of a very wide area. The Wadi passes through the city of Arriyadh and about 70% of the city is located within its catchment area. In the last decade, ground water management programs in the city have contributed to the perennial flow in part of the Wadi between the confluence of Al-Aysan channel in the north to after Al-Hair in the south of the Wadi forming a river in the desert. In addition to that, treated waste water to the tertiary stage is also discharged into the Wadi. Perennial flow is about 0.4 M m3/day and is expected to increase by 3 to 4 folds by 2021. This paper will highlight the importance of Wadi Hanifah to Arriyadh city and shall suggest an integrated water resources management plan for Wadi Hanifah. This plan will provide sustainability to the Wadi utilizing a number of measures. These measures are anticipated to improve flood performance of the Wadi, improve surface water quality and hence protect the quality of groundwater. The plan proposes possible scenarios for water reuse to meet present and future needs of the city.