Urban Water Security and Demand Management in Muscat delivers a data-driven, forward-looking analysis of Oman’s capital city water sector—detailing the challenges, governance systems, and demand-side measures underpinning its transition toward sustainable, low-carbon urban water management. The report explores how Muscat is tackling extreme scarcity, desalination dependency, and rapid population growth through technological innovation, regulatory reform, and circular economy integration aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the national Net Zero by 2050 roadmap.

Key Insights

Critical Water Dependence

Muscat meets up to 86% of its potable supply through desalination, creating an intense energy-water nexus where 80% of Nama Water Services’ greenhouse gas emissions stem from electricity use, emphasizing the need for renewable-powered water production.

Regulatory and Technological Reform

Tiered tariff structures, phased subsidy reductions, and the deployment of over 320,000 smart meters across the governorate serve as cornerstones of Oman’s evolving demand management framework, improving transparency and efficiency.

Efficiency and NRW Reduction

Muscat aims to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) from 39.6% to 10% by 2036 through the use of AI-enabled leak detection, drones, and SCADA-driven network monitoring systems that enhance operational precision.

Circular Economy Integration

Projects such as the Wadi Dayqah Dam Water Purification Plant (65,000 m³/day) and 86% treated effluent reuse in Muscat support agriculture, lower energy intensity, and reduce dependence on desalination—advancing circular and sustainable resource management.

Climate Resilience and Infrastructure

Flood-risk mitigation projects, stormwater diversion channels, and digital emergency systems enhance Muscat’s resilience to extreme heat and rainfall, securing vital infrastructure in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions.

Financial and Social Sustainability

Phased cost-recovery reforms are balancing affordability with long-term financial viability, ensuring equitable access while discouraging excessive consumption and supporting the shift toward economically sustainable water systems.

Digitalization and Citizen Engagement

The Nama Water Services portal and real-time smart feedback loops enable over 700,000 customers to monitor usage, report leaks, and participate directly in conservation efforts—embedding accountability and awareness within the community.

Designed for policymakers, investors, utilities, and sustainability professionals, Urban Water Security and Demand Management in Muscat provides essential intelligence on securing reliable, resilient, and equitable water systems in a rapidly urbanizing, climate-vulnerable environment—offering actionable strategies to achieve circularity and net-zero transformation across Oman’s urban water landscape.