Saudi Arabia is known for its vast desert, extreme temperatures and lack of water resources. But one of the most interesting geographical features of the kingdom happens to be the fact that there are no permanent rivers. Unlike countries that depend on water from rivers for irrigation, consumption, and even transport, the kingdom has found other ways to survive in the desert. In fact, the lack of permanent rivers is not just due to the geographical feature but also related to the climate. Here’s how Saudi Arabia survives with no permanent rivers.
Are There No Permanent Rivers In Saudi Arabia?
Even though Saudi Arabia has no permanent rivers, it has still been able to support its ever-increasing population. In fact, as reported by the Times of India, according to a World Bank report on water scarcity in the Middle East, the kingdom receives just about 65 mm of rainfall annually. So, it makes it quite difficult for permanent rivers to form here.
Not to mention, geographically, it is located in one of the driest parts of the world. So, there is very little rainfall throughout the year, and it is often recorded to be less than 100 millimetres. And for rivers to exist, there needs to be constant rainfall or snow so that there is an availability of water. And Saudi Arabia does not receive enough rainfall to support the existence of rivers. As a result, the water evaporates due to high temperature, or it gets absorbed by the ground.
Wadis Play An Important Role!
But this is where it gets interesting. Although the country does not have any permanent rivers, there are seasonal water channels that are called Wadis. Wadi, which are dry river beds, are filled with water during heavy rainstorms. These water channels move swiftly during heavy rain. It can sometimes even cause flash flooding. However, the water does not stay in them for a long time, and it disappears either by evaporation or absorption by the soil.
How Do They Procure Water?
So, the country depends on other means to acquire water. Desalination is one of the most significant methods for acquiring water. Basically, it removes salt from water. The country is one of the biggest producers of desalinated water in the world. Besides this, it also uses groundwater, and groundwater is from underground aquifers. But since groundwater gets accumulated over thousands of years, these to be used wisely. As such, the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) regulates all water-sector activities in the kingdom.
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People’s Lives Are Also Influenced By Water Conservation Efforts
Due to there being no rivers, it also affects agricultural activities. These activities are minimal, and they are carried out through efficient irrigation systems, which use groundwater or desalinated water. Not only this, but people’s lives are also influenced by water conservation efforts.
With the country looking for sustainable methods and investing in such technologies to address environmental challenges that come with the desalinisation, it shows how humans are capable of overcoming natural limitations.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Andrei Stoica’s Images