RIYADH: The Water Research Center of King Abdulaziz University has launched a project aimed at conserving water in the kingdom’s valleys, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The research center processes hydrological atlases focused on surface and underground water resources in various regions.
It has already completed work in the Mecca and Jazan regions, as well as Medina, Hail and Al-Qassim. Work has begun on atlases for the Tabuk and Al-Jouf regions.
The project aims to address Saudi Arabia’s increasing water consumption amid a growing population.
The aim of the atlases is to educate scientific bodies, specialized research institutes and decision-makers about the hydrology of individual valley basins, as well as their influence on surface water supplies and groundwater recharge.
Advanced monitoring technologies, remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems will be used during the research process.
Atlases will try to promote optimal use of rainwater while reducing flood risks.
Dr. Iqbal Ismail, director of the university’s research center, spoke about the project’s mission to address water issues at the local, national, regional and international levels through research, consultation, training and information dissemination.
The center plans to make a database aimed on water resources in Saudi Arabia and link it to regional and international databases.
