Nama Water Services has been advancing Oman’s water sustainability strategy with the launch of its Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project, using water injection technology to strengthen long-term water security and ensure resilient supplies amid growing demand.
The initiative involves injecting excess desalinated water into underground aquifers during low-demand periods for later recovery in emergencies or peak consumption, supporting potable, industrial, and agricultural needs.
Eng. Ibrahim Mohamed Al Harthy, Chief Planning and Asset Management Officer, said that the ASR project is among Nama Water Services’ key initiatives aligned with Oman Vision 2040. This project represents a strategic step towards enhancing the resilience, reliability and sustainability of Oman’s water supply system, he added.
The project responds to a projected annual water demand growth of nearly 3 percent, driven by population expansion, urbanization, and economic development. Oman’s total water production reached approximately 445 million cubic meters in 2025, with 90 percent sourced from desalination plants and the remaining 10 percent from groundwater.
Eng. Abdulhakim Amer Al Duhli, Master Planning & Strategic Investments Manager, said that the ASR project will reduce reliance on desalination plants during peak periods, enhance interconnections between governorates, and improve energy efficiency. This initiative supports a transformative shift towards a more resilient and future-ready water management system, he stated.
ASR project pilot phase underway in Sharqiyah Sands
A field pilot of ASR project is underway in the Sharqiyah Sands aquifer basin in South A’Sharqiyah Governorate, evaluating storage capacities of 18–30 million cubic meters. Water is injected at depths of 80–120 meters to reach protected aquifers, safeguarding them against surface contamination. Site selection was informed by hydrogeological studies, soil analysis, experimental drilling, and scientific modeling.
Collaboration and innovation
The ASR project is being implemented in partnership with the Omani Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Sultan Qaboos University’s Water Research Center, the German University of Technology in Oman, and international institutions. Nama Water Services is also integrating AI-enabled network modernization, wastewater treatment, water reuse, and digital mapping to strengthen resource efficiency, reduce non-revenue water, and enhance sustainability across the governorates it serves.
The ASR project reflects Oman’s commitment to proactive, adaptive water management, supporting sustainable resource use and long-term resilience under the country’s Vision 2040 framework.
