An evaluation of the ground water potential of the Sana'a basin, Yemen Arab Republic

Abstract

A finite element model was used to estimate the potential of the ground water resource of the Sana'a basin in central Yemen. Input parameter values were obtained primarily from previous reports. Analysis of the model output indicated that the potential ground water supply in both the Eastern and Western portions of the basin is 0.15 x 10⁶ m ³/day. This amount is adequate to satisfy the needs of the city of Sana'a and its vicinity up to the year 2000, provided that the use of the resource is accompanied by a proper ground water management policy. A maximum of 30 meters drawdown was projected up to the year 2000, considering possible increases in use with time. This amount of drawdown should not endanger ground-water storage. However, any additional increase in ground water use greater than an estimated amount of 0.13 x 10⁶ m ³/day would result in excessive drawdown. This would greatly increase investment and operational costs.