Water quality for irrigation and drinking water use of Aflaj in Oman

Abstract

The Sultanate of Oman is an arid country with scarce water resources mainly consisting of groundwater. Aflaj are artificial canals constructed centuries ago to transfer horizontally the groundwater to a location at the surface. The water quality of these Aflaj is a very important factor to be considered for healthy and safe use of this water. This paper aimed to study the characteristics of the groundwater through its journey in Aflaj from source point up to its usage point. An experimental programme was adopted to investigate the water quality of Al Hammam Aflaj in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The results showed that some positions of the Falaj have high content of some elements, such as Ca, above the allowable values of drinking water standards. Results proved that the water of Al Hammam Falaj in general can be used with caution as a drinking water; however, some care and monitoring should be applied regularly. Results of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and soluble sodium percentage (SSP) equations revealed that the water Falaj can be used for irrigation for all soil types but cannot be used on soils with restricted drainage due to its relatively high salinity.