Hydrology

OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives of our hydrological studies are:
1. Initiate and conduct hydrological studies and related activities concerned with natural water resources.
2.Assess groundwater quality and quantity and prepare long term strategic plans to develop and optimally utilize the groundwater aquifer.
3.Assess groundwater pollution and propose protection framework and treatment methods.
4. Identify and develop criteria for water security in Kuwait and to secure strategic and safe reserve of water.
5.Management of groundwater rise problems.

SAVING THE NATURAL FRESH WATER RESERVES

The Raudhatain and Umm Al-Aish basins are the only sources of fresh groundwater available in Kuwait, and the quality of their water is excellent.

These valuable resources have been threatened by oil spillage that occurred during the Iraqi invasion. We implemented a study to assess the effects of the oil pollution resulting from the contamination of soils in the northern area and to predict the fate of the pollutants and their movement in the groundwater in those areas.

We developed a mathematical model to predict the short and long-term relationship between the rainfall and the fate of the pollutants.

The preliminary results of this study indicated the pollution of the Umm Al-Aish field. This led to a second-stage project to study the relationship between the rainwater and the fate of the pollutants in the groundwater over a five year period.

SOLVING GROUNDWATER PROBLEMS IN URBAN AREAS

Our studies show that the rise in the groundwater table which is affecting the residents is caused by extensive irrigation and lack of proper dewatering during construction.

Several studies focused on assessing this problem and applying methods of drainage at construction sites in Shamiya and Keifan. We evaluated damages affecting the structures of buildings and facilities and assessed the effect of drainage.

These studies were expanded for Sabah Al-Salem area to include vertical and horizontal subsurface water drainage systems. A pilot study was also conducted at a site in Keifan to investigate the viability and feasibility of utilizing RO technology for desalinating the drained water and using the product water for irrigation. Results indicate good viability and reasonable cost of the product water.

THE ONLY NATURAL WATER RESOURCE IN KUWAIT

The Hydrology Department was engaged in several studies initiated at the request of the Ministry of Energy (MOE) aimed at qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the ground water reserves in Kuwait. Mathematical models were initiated and developed as a tool for evaluating Kuwaiti aquifers.