The Quality of Stormwater in Sana’a City from the Perspective of Integrated Water Resources Management

Abstract

Urbanization has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide towards studying the quality of urban water runoff as an alternative water resource. With an estimated population of 3.52 million inhabitants, the water scarce capital city of Yemen, Sana’a, receives seasonally huge amounts of the Sana’a Basin stormwater runoff which could be utilized effectively, provided it is free of pollutants. This research thus investigates the effect of urbanization on stormwater quality in Sana'a city. Based on a qualitative approach and the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) concept, the researcher discusses the complex interrelated nature of runoff water quality along the Saylah channel to socio-economic and environmental aspects with recommendations to policy makers on a potential water resource for the city’s rapidly growing population. Results show increased pH, COD, FC, Zn, Cu, and Cr parameters that refer to non-point source pollution taken at selected sites along Al-Saylah from the South to the North. A focus group discussion with male farmers indicates a saving of about 70% of diesel consumption for water pumping from stormwater retention ponds rather than wells. Yet, using this water for irrigation creates a big risk to the accumulation of heavy metals in crops and consequently to the health of crop consumers, human beings and animals alike. Finally, this research recommends to protect urban stormwater runoff from pollution and to apply best practices to maximize its use.