Saudi Arabia, one of the driest countries in world, has no rivers or lakes, still people have no dearth of water because…, primary source is…

Saudi Arabia is one of the driest countries in the world and has very few natural water resources such as rivers and lakes. Despite the scarcity of freshwater resources, its citizens are able to thrive and continue their daily lives. The solution to this challenge is both fascinating and groundbreaking.

Desalination: Converting seawater into drinkable water

The main source of drinking water in Saudi Arabia comes from an incredible process called desalination. Desalination plants are the unsung heroes of Saudi Arabia’s water supply, as almost 80% of the country’s water comes from this method. These facilities convert seawater in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf into fresh, drinkable water. In fact, Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest producers of desalinated water.

Desalination involves removing salt and other minerals from seawater through methods such as reverse osmosis and distillation. Although this method is expensive and energy-intensive, it is necessary to provide water to homes, industry and agriculture in the country.

Underground Aquifers: Hidden lifelines

Besides desalinated seawater, underground aquifers also play an important role in freshwater supply. Saudi Arabia benefits from these ancient underground water resources, known as fossil water, which are generally thousands of years old. Water is found deep below the Earth’s surface in large reservoirs. This water is finite and cannot be quickly replenished once used, making its conservation extremely important.

The Wadi Araba aquifer and the Nubian Sandstone aquifer are some of the largest fossil water resources in the country. Although the water obtained from these aquifers is invaluable, it is also unsustainable in the long term, raising concerns about future water shortages.

Saving Water: A cultural necessity

Due to limited natural water resources in Saudi Arabia, water conservation has become a cultural imperative. People have adopted practices such as using water-saving devices, fixing leaks immediately, and paying attention to water usage. Additionally, the government conducts public awareness campaigns to promote efficient water use.

In addition to these conservation efforts, the country has also developed an advanced water distribution network that allows water to reach even the most remote areas through pipelines that sometimes stretch for hundreds of kilometers.

Innovations and plans

Saudi Arabia is actively researching and investing in new technologies for water conservation and production. Some of the country’s latest innovations include solar-powered desalination plants and water recycling initiatives. The aim is to diversify freshwater resources and ensure a sustainable supply for the future by reducing dependence on fossil water.

Despite the challenges posed by its harsh desert environment, Saudi Arabia’s ingenuity and technological advances continue to meet the hydration needs of its people, with desalinated seawater and ancient underground aquifers providing the essential life-sustaining source in one of the most water-scarce regions in the world.