Hydrogeological framework and its implication on water level rise in Eastern ArRiyadh, Saudi Arabia

Journal Article

Al-Othman, Abdulaziz A. . 2012

• رقم العدد: 5
• الصفحات: 1493-1502

مستخلص المنشور

Excessive water usage together with limited
capacity of local hydrogeological environment to dispose
excess water or waste water has emerged as a problem of
water level rise in many parts of ArRiyadh, the capital city
of Saudi Arabia. In the past, groundwater rise to shallow
horizons has caused considerable impact on public health,
environment and infrastructure. In order to reduce and
maintain groundwater to safe level, ArRiyadh Development
Authority has constructed a gravity drainage system
in the affected areas. During the initiation of the gravity
drain project, water level in eastern ArRiyadh was[15 m;
therefore, the area was not included in the project but was
subjected to regular groundwater monitoring. During the
recent decade, eastern ArRiyadh has witnessed quick water
level rise, with an average rate of 0.55 m/year. This water
level rising trend seems persistent with time which may
impart serious damage to the environment and infrastructure.
The study shows that the presence of thick clays
within eastern alluvium retards hydrodynamic connectivity
and inhibits vertical groundwater movement.