Author(s): Amjad Aliewi; Hana'a Burezq
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Brackish groundwater; Agricultural; Water use; Exploration; Kuwait
Abstract: Water scarcity in Kuwait is a critical issue as water shortages in irrigation water are ever growing. Integrated management of brackish groundwater resources in Kuwait for agriculture needs a preliminary quantification of actual irrigation water consumption which is complex. This is due to high level of uncertainty about groundwater dynamics, limited availability of brackish groundwater and the unsustainable use of brackish groundwater in Kuwait for agricultural and oil exploration. To address this issue, Kuwait has turned to wastewater treatment and reuse as an additional option for agricultural irrigation. Water scarcity conditions in Kuwait require more rigorous analysis. The aim of this paper is to quantify the utilizable brackish groundwater in Kuwait for agricultural irrigation using basic hydrogeological analysis. By exploring upon a rich literature of hydrogeological and water quality assessment of Kuwait aquifers in terms of hydraulic and physical properties, this study will help quantify the sustainable brackish groundwater volumes that can be maximized for agriculture in Kuwait. This will ultimately lead to better overall brackish groundwater management in Kuwait. The results of this study show that some 451 million cubic meters per year (Mm³/yr) are being utilized from Kuwait groundwater aquifers as brackish water for agricultural irrigation use.
Year: 2018