Overview
Water management is among Oman’s most critical policy challenges, given the arid climate and growing demand from population growth, urbanisation, and economic development. The national water strategy integrates supply augmentation through desalination with demand management, groundwater conservation, and wastewater reuse. Balancing water security with fiscal and environmental sustainability requires sophisticated planning and continuous investment in infrastructure and technology.
Key Points
Desalination plants provide the majority of potable water supply, with capacity expanded through public-private partnership concessions. Groundwater abstraction is regulated to prevent aquifer depletion, with monitoring networks tracking water table levels across regions. Treated wastewater is reused for landscape irrigation, industrial processes, and agricultural applications, reducing demand on freshwater sources. Tiered water pricing encourages conservation by making excessive consumption progressively more expensive.
Current Status
Desalination capacity has increased substantially with the commissioning of new plants using energy-efficient reverse osmosis technology. Wastewater treatment coverage has expanded, and reuse rates continue to climb. An integrated water resources management framework coordinates policy across government agencies. Smart metering is being deployed in urban areas to provide real-time consumption data and enable leak detection. Agricultural water efficiency programmes promote drip irrigation and precision farming techniques.
Vision 2040 Context
Vision 2040 calls for comprehensive water security that supports economic growth without depleting natural resources. Investment in desalination, wastewater reuse, and water-efficient technologies ensures adequate supply for all sectors. By treating water as a precious resource and pricing it accordingly, Oman promotes sustainable consumption patterns and protects aquifers for future generations.