Thesis Statement: By ensuring appropriate urban development patterns, enacting the necessary legislation, and controlling exposure to waste water, the authorities in Jeddah can preserve surface water and improve the living conditions of its people.
Overview
- Surface water is scanty in Jeddah region.
- Average amounts of rainfall received are very low.
- Surface water is not adequate to supply the human population in the region.
- Plenty of rainfall experienced on the Hijaz Mountains and in the high Red Sea Escarpment cause flooding.
- The only form of replenishment is precipitation.
- Despite its scarcity, surface water provides ecosystems with essential input. It is thus important to preserve this natural source of surface water and use it sparingly.
- Urbanization patterns have failed to put into consideration the natural flow of flood water.
- Surface water is not able to hold because of the increased urban settlement on impermeable surfaces.
- Most housing units in the region are situated on flood-prone areas. This has frustrated measure to curb the flooding problem.
- Human-made channels have been created to divert the flood water away from occupational areas. These artificial channels are also obstructed by increased human settlement on paths that drain flood water into the Red Sea.
- Quality of surface water is poor. Quality compromised by poor waste disposal habits along the paths of surface water. Rise in ground water is pushing up surface water.
Cost of environmental degradation
- Jeddah region does not have natural permanent watercourses.
- Low level of precipitation is one reason for this situation. Another explanation is the possibility of high evaporation.
- Exposed waste water contributes to harmful health implications on the public. Waste water also has an irritating effect on the daily life of people inhabiting Jeddah.
Critical areas of interest
- Need for effective legislation
- Unsuitability of urban developments
- Rise in groundwater causing surface water to be contaminated
