Oman is facing increasing challenges in managing its water resources amid rising demand driven by expanding agriculture, urban growth, tourism, and industry. Recent data highlight the growing strain on groundwater supplies, especially in regions like Al Najd, where future water requirements tied to planned development could nearly double from 139 million cubic metres annually in 2021 to approximately 275 million cubic metres.
Groundwater use in Al Najd has surged significantly over recent decades, expanding from about 19 million cubic metres per year in 1995 to 139 million cubic metres in 2021. Continued agricultural development is contributing to this upward trend, particularly in the agricultural zone north of the Dhofar mountains, which depends heavily on groundwater from the Umm Al Raduma aquifer system. Studies indicate that abstraction from this aquifer is currently exceeding natural recharge rates, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the resource.
Experts also stress the complexity of Oman’s water resources, noting that much of the groundwater in the region consists of ancient reserves, with some estimated to be over 60,000 years old. This means that rather than functioning as a renewable supply, a portion of the resource acts more like a finite strategic stock. As a result, government authorities are working on improved monitoring and modeling systems to better align agricultural permits with aquifer conditions.
Beyond groundwater, Oman is increasingly relying on desalination to meet drinking water demand. Current and planned desalination infrastructure can produce more than 1.9 million cubic metres of potable water daily, far exceeding the country’s safe groundwater withdrawal capacity of approximately 327,000 cubic metres per day. Around 90% of drinking water in Oman now derives from desalination, which has significantly enhanced water security but also links water availability closely to energy supply and infrastructure resilience. The cost of producing, transporting, and storing desalinated water remains a critical factor in planning future investments.
Regional planning in Greater Salalah reflects these realities by aiming to increase non-conventional water sources and enhance wastewater reuse, targeting 100 percent reuse of treated effluent where appropriate. Initiatives also seek to integrate groundwater monitoring, aquifer management, and flood-risk mapping into urban development strategies.
Water availability in Dhofar remains variable, with groundwater levels showing notable fluctuations correlated with wet and dry periods. This variability underscores the need for long-term planning that accounts for cyclical changes and avoids overreliance on short-term hydrological conditions.
Treated wastewater presents a substantial opportunity to reduce pressure on freshwater sources. Data from 58 treatment plants indicate that while about 93 million cubic metres of treated effluent were produced, only around 49 million cubic metres were utilized, leaving significant volumes discharged back into the environment.
Authorities also emphasize the economic dimensions of water management. Preventing development in flood-prone areas and safeguarding drainage corridors before urban expansion occurs can mitigate costly compensation and infrastructure expenditures. Similarly, investments in irrigation efficiency, abstraction control, and treated water networks, though capital-intensive upfront, may prevent greater economic losses related to aquifer depletion and salinity in the future.
Oman’s water challenges extend beyond simply identifying new sources. Increasing demand, groundwater stress, and the economic implications of infrastructure development are prompting a shift toward incorporating water availability into broader development and investment decisions, influencing not only how but where the country grows.