Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MUSCAT299
2006-03-01 15:40:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:  

GOT WATER?

Tags:  SENV PREL TPHY MU ESTH 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000299 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, OES/PCI
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB (JWHITTLESEY)
INTERIOR FOR FOOSE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV PREL TPHY MU ESTH
SUBJECT: GOT WATER?

-------
SUMMARY
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UNCLAS MUSCAT 000299

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, OES/PCI
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB (JWHITTLESEY)
INTERIOR FOR FOOSE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV PREL TPHY MU ESTH
SUBJECT: GOT WATER?

--------------
SUMMARY
--------------


1. Oman's Director General of Water Resources outlined the
government's water management efforts in the wake of scarce
rainfall, high demand, and increasing groundwater salinity.
He noted that cross-border water usage was a concern, but
that Oman stood ready to collaborate with the UAE on
solutions. End Summary.

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TIGHT SUPPLY
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2. On February 21, Econoff and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Middle East Chief Michael Foose discussed Oman's water
management efforts with Zahir Khalid al-Suleimani, Director
General of Water Resources Affairs, Ministry of Regional
Municipalities, Environment, and Water Resources.
Al-Suleimani identified several challenges facing Oman,
including scarce rainfall, growing consumption as a result of
tourist and industrial activity, and increasing groundwater
salinity, especially along Oman's fertile Batinah coastline,
site of most of Oman's agricultural production.


3. Given these concerns, Oman has strictly regulated the
construction of new wells over the past 10 years (only
schools and government buildings are permitted to drill new
ones) and prohibited deep well construction. Al-Suleimani
mentioned Oman's use of USGS software to develop an aquifer
management plan, and will soon reuse treated wastewater for
landscape beautification in Salalah and Muscat. The
government is relying more on water desalination plants, and
is looking toward other options such as cloud seeding.

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BORDER CONCERNS
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4. Al-Suleimani acknowledged Foose's concern that the UAE had
not put as much thought into managing water that flows into
Al Ain from Oman. Noting Al Ain's lack of both a well
inventory and water evaluation mechanism, al-Suleimani agreed
that the area was ripe for collaboration. He commented that
Oman would work with the UAE on strategies to manage the
water supply, possibly to include constructing a recharge,
rather than retaining, dam.

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COLLABORATION POSSIBLE
--------------


5. Al-Suleimani requested assistance in creating a hydrology
map to update flood risk zones, since the government did not
budget for the project this year. Foose expressed USGS
interest in assisting, but said that USGS would have to be
reimbursed for project costs. Al-Suleimani was receptive to
Foose's offer of collaboration with three USGS staff members
stationed in Al-Ain, viewing this as an opportunity to work
with both the U.S. and UAE on cross-border water management
concerns.
BALTIMORE