Comparative hydrochemical study of water springs in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Dozens of water springs are scattered over the 2.25 million km2 area of Saudi Arabia. The water from these springs, which originates in rock formations of the various types to be found in the Arabian Shield and Arabian Shelf, represents the main source for multiple uses in major towns and cities. Samples of water from 40 springs issuing from various rock formations were collected and their hydrochemical properties studied. It was found that their salinity and ion concentration ranges varied significantly.