PROJECT STORY
The challenge
The desert nation of Qatar is growing rapidly — how do we ensure everyone has enough water?
Water Security Mega Reservoirs
We know how to store water in the desert
The solution
Arcadis and KAHRAMAA worked together to build mega water reservoirs fit for a Guinness World Record to ensure enough water supply for Qatar.
The impact
With a secure and reliable source of water, the people of Qatar can take challenges and opportunities with a glass half-full approach.
5
mega reservoir sites
7
days full water storage
6,500,000m³
potable water storage
The challenge
Qatar, the world's richest nation, has experienced significant population growth over the last decade. From about 2 million people in 2011, its population currently sits at about 2.7 million. On top of that, half a million tourists visited the desert land last year. Perhaps you’re even a football fan, eagerly anticipating the 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar. But how fun would a footballing experience, tourist trip or simple everyday life be in around 45°C (113°F), with precious little water available?
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Desalinization plants are Qatar’s main source of freshwater, but there is a limited supply of water stored in the system, and it’s quite scary to imagine what would happen if a natural or man-made disaster were to impact this water source. Rapid demographic and economic changes meant that immediate action was needed to create efficient public services for power and water. With such demand placing pressure on the nation’s resources, it was recognized that a national strategic plan is needed to protect Qatar’s future.
The solution
Arcadis, together with KAHRAMAA, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, has been increasing Qatar’s water storage, security and efficiency. However, it's been no small task trying to store water in the desert, and this has been an ambitious, groundbreaking mega reservoir project.
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We’ve navigated the construction of five interconnected sites, each containing two-to-four reservoirs, each qualifying for the Guinness World Records. On top of this, an expansion to nine reservoirs at each site is scheduled to be delivered by 2036 because we want to go the extra mile to safeguard the efficiency and storage of Qatar’s water system in the future. We want the water to be stored close to the people who need to use it, so each reservoir will be connected directly to the existing water transmission system, and the water quality in circulation will continue to comply with the World Health Organization standards.
Bringing this project to life has been very rewarding for all of us at Arcadis as we continue to be dedicated to improving quality of life in the region. We’ve worked together as one team to meet all challenges and deliver this project in a timely and efficient manner.
The impact
According to the Guinness World Records, Qatar’s mega reservoirs are officially the largest of their kind in the world. With seven full days of water security, KAHRAMAA can rest easy knowing they have attended to residents’ needs, and people and businesses can have peace of mind that they have an efficient, secure and flexible water supply for the future. And Doha’s football fans can relax with a nice cold drink while the 2022 World Cup kicks off.
