Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible
World Water Day is held on March 22 every year to celebrate the importance of water and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
This year’s theme is groundwater. Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere. Out of sight, under our feet, groundwater is a hidden treasure that enriches our lives. In the driest parts of the world, it may be the only water people have.
Groundwater in Saudi Arabia
Almost all the liquid freshwater in the world is groundwater. Still, in Saudi Arabia, the harsh weather conditions, a high evaporation rate and limited rainfall means that Saudi Arabia doesn’t have any permanent water bodies. Deep groundwater aquifers and desalination are our main water resources. Learn more about groundwater in Saudi Arabia.
Activities at KAUST
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) Open House
The WDRC will be hosting tours of the Lab and pilot-scale facilities “TAHLIA ALMIAH.” During these visits, researchers and staff will showcase core analytical tools in water research at building for and demonstrate the reverse osmosis-based desalination process alongside the water membrane research carried out at the pilot facility.
Register to join the lab tour and/or the “TAHLIA ALMIAH” facilities tour. Each tour will be limited to the first (30) registered attendees per slot. - Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) – Come and learn the practical aspects of groundwater monitoring
Come and learn how HSE deploys groundwater monitoring techniques to safeguard precious groundwater resources from pollution. Six groundwater monitoring wells are in place at two key installations at KAUST to use such as early warning tools. A member of the KAUST HSE team with extensive contaminated sites industry background will discuss how groundwater well installation and monitoring is performed along with the science of site investigation and remediation. Learn more about HSE’s efforts on groundwater monitoring.
Location: Meet at KAUST: Main Gas Station (site for groundwater monitoring wells.)
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Test Your Knowledge!
Take the Groundwater Quiz
Test your knowledge! See how much you know about groundwater in Saudi Arabia and the world. The first top-ranked submissions will receive a surprise gift! The winners will be announced on THE LENS next week.
Quiz Night
Let’s have fun! Join the trivia night with questions based on a water-related theme and celebrate together with the IWA-KAUST Student chapter the World Water Day.
When: Today at 6:00 p.m. Where: Building. 18, Student Center, level 3. Register here.
#WorldWaterDay on Social Media
Share how KAUST research and operations are contributing with solutions toward the United Nations Sustainability Goal #6: clean water and sanitation. Celebrate this day by sharing your stories on your social media channels. Let’s create a community by using #KAUSTSustainability #WorldWaterDay #KAUSTResearch.
Follow KAUST Research, KAUST Innovation, and KAUST Official on Twitter.
This celebration is a collaboration between Facilities Management, TKS, KAUST Innovation, the Office of the VPR, the Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Health Safety and Environment, Students for Sustainability, IWA Student Chapter, GBC, and the Sustainability Office.
