Definition
Water security is the reliable availability of an adequate quantity and quality of freshwater for health, livelihoods, ecosystems, and production, coupled with an acceptable level of risk from water-related hazards such as floods and droughts. It encompasses sustainable management of surface water, groundwater, and desalinated water resources. As global demand rises and climate change intensifies hydrological variability, water security has become a strategic priority for arid and semi-arid nations worldwide.
Context in Oman
Oman is classified as a water-stressed country, with per-capita renewable freshwater resources far below the global average. The Sultanate relies heavily on desalination, which supplies approximately 86 percent of municipal water. Major desalination plants at Barka, Sur, Sohar, and Ghubrah collectively produce over one million cubic metres per day. Groundwater from the Al Hajar mountain aquifers supports traditional agriculture through the ancient aflaj irrigation system. The Public Authority for Water manages strategic reserves and aquifer-recharge programmes.
Connection to Vision 2040
Vision 2040 positions water security as a critical enabler for food production, industrial growth, and quality of life. The strategy promotes demand-side management through smart meters, tiered tariffs, and public-awareness campaigns. Supply-side investments include expanding desalination capacity, treated-wastewater reuse for agriculture and landscaping, and managed aquifer recharge. Innovation in solar-powered desalination and membrane technologies is encouraged to lower energy consumption and costs.
Key Facts
Desalination provides roughly 86 percent of Oman’s municipal water supply. Combined desalination capacity exceeds one million cubic metres per day. The traditional aflaj system comprises over 4,100 channels and is a UNESCO-recognised heritage asset. Treated wastewater reuse is targeted to reach 100 percent by 2040. Non-revenue water losses have been reduced from over 30 percent to approximately 20 percent through network upgrades.