Causes of Groundwater Rise at Al-Qurain Residential Area, Kuwait

Abstract

Residential areas of Kuwait have been affected by rising groundwater levels for many years. The main reason for this problem is the increased recharge derived from the excessive irrigation of gardens and parks, and leaks from sewage networks, where the hydraulic characteristics of the lithology play an important role in intensifying the impacts of this phenomenon at local scale. The objective of this paper is to assess the hydrological conditions of Al-Qurain residential area to identify the extent and the causes of the water rise problem.A total of 25 wells of various depths were drilled, constructed and sampled at the study area. Water level loggers installed in the drilled wells indicated that water levels are fluctuating on daily bases and increasing up to 50cm during winter months due to the reduction of evapotranspiration and recharge from rainfall.Combining the water level records and the results of the isotopic, chemical and biological analysis, it was concluded that the top 20 m of the aquifer water is made up of mostly irrigation, waste and rain water in addition to the aquifer groundwater. It was also observed that the intruding water from lower Dammam aquifer is dominating the aquifer beneath 40 m depth. This conclusion along with the steep topography of the area explained why this area is naturally prone to water rise.The study recommended the utilization of integrated system of dewatering wells along with desalination units to lower the water level and re-utilize the groundwater. On the prevention side, it is recommended to conduct an awareness campaign that educate the residents of the impacts of over use of water on their own properties.