ISSN: 0974-5823 Vol. 7 No.

1 January, 2022

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Geospatial Analysis Of Groundwater Quality In

Dubai

Lala El Hoummaidi1,2, Abdelkader Larabi1

1
Laboratory of Analysis and Modeling of Water and Natural Resources (LAMERN), Mohammed V University in Rabat,
Mohammadia School of Engineers, Rabat, Morocco

2
Geographic Information Systems Centre (GISC), Dubai Municipality, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This work was supported by the Geographic Information Systems Centre (GISC), Dubai Municipality.

Abstract—Dubai's groundwater wells have become at risk of contamination, over-extraction, and over-irrigation for the past
two decades. Thus, the declining water quality and modest irrigation practices in many areas pressured farmers to install
packaged desalination equipment that caused a significant increase in the salinity levels of the groundwater, leading to
contaminants percolation to the aquifers.

This project explores the possibilities of using geospatial analytics such as Nearest Neighbour and Regression Analysis to
model and predict water levels. Such data is essential for the understanding and resolution of many complex water resources
issues commonly faced by hydrologists, water-supply managers, engineers, regulatory agencies, and the public.
It also features ModeflowMap;an innovative Enterprise GIS Solution developed tocollect groundwater quality parameters,
including the water level. This toolwas the primary solution used to collect groundwater data for47,433 wells and boreholes in
Dubai. Itwas designed as a preliminary effort to store the records relevant to the quality, quantity, biological, and chemical
properties, as well as the type and location of groundwater resources. Such data helped track and analyze the status and uses of
groundwater reserves. Furthermore, the findings assisted in improving and promoting the efficient use of water resources in the
Emirate.
Such comprehensive effort is mandatory to fully understand the state of the groundwater resources in the Emirate and support
the development of effective policies tomanage these resources efficiently.

Oneof the key purposes of this study is to highlight the importance of groundwater level measurementsasa fundamental
indicator of the status of thisresource and to foster a more comprehensive approach to the long-term collection of these
essential data.

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Keywords: groundwater monitoring, Geospatial Analysis, Groundwater modeling, groundwater well inventory, water salinity
mapping, ModeflowMap, thematic maps, Dashboards.

1. INTRODUCTION
According to the United Nations , a country is defined as 'water scarce' if it has 1000 cubic meters or less of water available per
capita per year. The United Arab Emirates's natural water supply doesn't reach half this level, making it one of the world's most
water-scarce nations [1].One of its most populous cities with more than three million people, Dubai relies primarily on the
desalination plants, which consists 98.8 percent of its water supply [2]. In comparison, most of the groundwater in the UAE is
found in fossil aquifers that receive little to no waterrecharge. For every liter of water flowing into the country's groundwater
reservesfrom infrequent rainfall, twenty-five liters is withdrawn. This extraction rate leads tosevere degradation of the
remaining water supplies. Renewable water resources havedecreased by 42 percent since 2000, and further declines are
expected in the near future.Therefore, acute water shortages are expected in the region by 2025 [3].
Over-consumption is also a problem in the water sector. The UAE is the world's third-largest consumer of water, despite its
arid climate and lack of renewable water sources. Consumers in the UAE use around 400 liters of water each day, compared to
a global average of 250 liters. The UAE relies on its expensive desalination plants to meet this water demand [3].
Moreover, groundwater accounts for up to 94 % of water consumption in the agriculture sector in some emirates like Dubai
and Abu Dhabi. Nonetheless, the current usage of groundwater reservoirs exceeds the natural recharge rates by more than 15
times. Additionally, the Food Sustainability Index (FSI) ranked the UAE at the bottom of 34 countries for sustainable
agriculture in 2017, with the high use of dwindling resources in aquifers as a critical factor [4].
Furthermore, studies of existing productive wells concerning lithology and structures are minimal. Selection of well locations
forgroundwater supply used to heavily rely on traditional field studies using existing waterpoint sites as guidelines. In general,
a systematic approach to groundwaterexploration was also lacking. This research aims to contribute towardssystematic
groundwater analysis utilizing remote sensing, field data collection, DigitalElevation Models (DEM), and Geospatial Analysis
using Geographic Information Systems (GIS),assistingtheassessment of groundwater resources in the UAE.
Therefore, ModeflowMap is introduced in this paper, an innovative enterprise GIS Solution comprising several modules that
cover essential requirements for a better understanding of groundwater conditions. This enterprise solution controls the field
data collection operations, processes high-resolution remote sensing images, extracts vector data layers, ensures data quality
control, enables advanced geospatial analytics, and disseminates the results in the form of thematic maps and dashboards.
Consequently, it supports monitoring groundwater uses in agriculture in real-time. This solution also supports government
entities as a decision support tool, including all actors involved in water management and water policy-makers at the field
level.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1 Study Area

The primary groundwater resources are available in the aquifers located in the Bajada region, in the eastern part of the country.
These aquifers consist of alluvial fan deposits along the base of the RAK mountains extending over a large area. The upper
aquifer is made of gravel, sand, and silt, while the lower aquifer is mainly composed of dolomite, limestone, and marl. Both
aquifers vary in thickness from 200 to 800 meters. Moreover, the Dammam and Umm er-Radhuma aquifers contain highly
saline water extending into the western desert regions [5].
The recharge of the shallow aquifers depends primarily on the infrequent rainfall events along with the surface run-off and
hence may vary considerably from year to year. In addition, due to the high evaporation rate and surface water run-off in hilly
areas, only 10 to 14% of the total precipitation could percolate to recharge the shallow groundwater aquifers[6].

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Fig 1. Principal Aquifers in United Arab Emirates [7]

In recent years, Dubai'saquifers' conditions have improved thanks tothe measures taken to achieve maximum overall cycle
efficiency for all groundwater uses, including reducing groundwater abstraction to sustainable levels. However, full recovery
will take decades. In addition, a comprehensive set of actions for sustainable groundwater management have been adopted,
notably establishing robust monitoring and regulatory programs to conserve traditional water systems such as aflaj [8].

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Fig. 2- Dubai Wells Distribution – Heat Map

Fig.2 represents a spatial distribution of wells density in the Dubai Emirate. The total records used for this study are 47,433.

2.2 Research Methodology

A robust methodology is essential to process all the heterogeneous data inputs efficiently and accurately, particularly the high-
resolution remote sensing imagery acquired for automatic generation of the vegetation cover in the study area.An overview
ofthe methodology followed in this research is summarized in the flow chart illustrated in (Fig.3). This paper focuses on the
Wells and Soil inventories along with the elevation and vegetation cover maps.

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Fig.3- Flowchart summarizing the process followed for the study
This project wascarried for an overall period of 32 months and was conducted in six main phases, including the inventory of
groundwater wells and soil salinity surveys. During the first phase, all the wells were assigned a unique identifying number;
then, the main groundwater parameters were recorded such as pumping rates, groundwater levels, salinity, condition, and the
purpose for which each well is being used. The second phase included updates to the available soil salinity data. The soil
samples were taken using a frame of 2,000 farms in Dubai and then analyzed to identify the soil type, salinity, and quality.
Such data will support the development of plans that determine the sustainability of these farms and classify them according to
soil quality levels.
In its last phase, the ModeflowMap solution was used to analyze the groundwater and soil data to produce an atlas of aquifers
in Dubai - the very first of its kind locally. The analysis summarizes groundwater sources based onthe quality,quantity,
natural,chemical,and biological property, location, depth, and type. The outputsare displayed in the form of thematic maps,
motion charts, sections, and infographics.
The following section provides a brief description of the context of the activities undertaken for the well soil salinity surveys:
 Phase 1- Mobilization of survey teams (Recruitment, awareness workshops, trainings)
 Phase 2- Collect other administrative data such as elevation, geological layers, water bodies layers, imagery…etc.
 Phase 3- Design of the GIS solution for field data collection (ModeflowMap Mobile Module)
 Phase 4-Planning and prediction, equipment purchase, and developing work procedures (data dictionaries, standard
operating procedures, and quality control procedures).
 Phase 5- Actual well & farm surveys, including groundwater and soil sampling and analysis.
 Phase 6-Interpretation of survey results, the preparation of databases, maps, and the groundwater atlas.

2.3 Solution Components

ModeflowMap as an enterprise GIS Solution is currently used for several phases of groundwater resources management;
including, planning, processing, analysis, archiving, dissemination and evaluation. It also features tools for automation such as
the design, the collection, the geospatial analysis, and the cartography of thematic maps and charts through advanced
geoprocessing python scripts. Hence, the ModeflowMap consists of components covering these requirements, including the
Desktop, Web, and Mobile Modules (Fig.4).

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Fig. 4- ModeflowMap Main Components (Desktop, Mobile and Web, Databases, Servers, …etc.)

2.4 Data Acquisition

2.4.1 Agronomic data collection information

During this study, ModeflowMap Mobile was used to collect groundwater well information in order to validate the results
obtained by desktop application; the results of this Survey also supported calibrating the Hatta groundwater models to ensure
accurate results. Furthermore, these inspections allow the collection of irrigation activities information in the crops and either
change or add any relevant agronomic data, including the following:

• Unique ID of the well, • Tubing Material

• Longitude and Latitude of the Well, • Pump set
• Facilities available along with asset • Weather Conditions
barcodes, • Volume pumped during sampling
• Water quality level, • Pumping rate during sampling
• Well Type • Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in mg/l
• Well Depth • Specific Electrical Conductance (µS/cm)
• Water Depth • Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)
• Well Dimensions • Turbidity (NTU)
• Casing Material • PH Value
• The volume of water per well volume • Temperature (C)

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 • Notes • Photos
• Sketch on Picture or Map

Table 1.Boreholes Sample Data featuring boreholes ID, boring date, location, ground level, water level, depth and diameter

BORINGD DMDGD_LE GD
BO No EASTING NORTHING DEPTH DIAMETER
ATE VEL WATER_LEVEL
12827 2008-08-14 490490 2768071 0 28.02 15 0.15
11651 2007-05-30 488967 2770785 30.44 22.6 30 0.15
11642 2007-05-30 488955 2770813 30.56 22.6 30 0.15
13328 2004-09-10 489250 2769778 31.07 22.55 30 0.13
11652 2007-06-07 489068 2770884 30.5 22.5 30 0.15
11617 2004-09-02 487267 2770775 29.72 22.5 29.9 0.13
11650 2007-06-06 489092 2770842 30.47 22.4 30 0.15
11653 2007-05-25 488987 2770870 30.46 22.4 30 0.15
11641 2007-05-27 488986 2770832 30.57 22.1 30 0.15
13336 2004-08-28 488317 2769271 28.22 21.5 29.9 0.13
43542 2008-04-17 489326 2771018 31.75 20 35 0.15
13322 2004-09-06 488906 2769514 28.13 20 30 0.13
43543 2008-04-17 489305 2771030 31.82 19.8 35 0.15
43544 2008-04-19 489305 2771045 31.12 19.6 35 0.15
43545 2008-04-20 489331 2771032 30.99 19.5 35 0.15

Throughout this project, 47,433 wells were visited in Dubai. Most wells are located on farms, along Dubai's tunnel, and in
forests except some remote desert locations. Trained teams with experienced staff and dedicated advanced equipment were
assigned to these remote locations, where off-road driving capabilities and extensive safety measures were mandatoryfor the
Survey's success. For each surveyed well, more than 100 parameters werecollected.
Additionally, the operational status and the use of the wells were assessed. Groundwater level, salinity, temperature, and pH
were also measured. The teams recorded pumping operation time, well discharge, and selected farm data.

Table 2.Example of Borehole readings (BH-BDT-44)

Borehole_ID Water Level Depth UCS Permeability Soil Type

6.32 4.5 7.02E-06
6.32 7.5 3.51E-06
6.35 10.5 1.99E-06
BH-BDT-44 SANDSTONE
6.32 12.5 2.7
6.28 13.5 1.65E-06
6.37 16.5 5.03E-06
6.35 19.5 2.56E-06

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 6.28 22.5 2.79E-06
6.33 24 1.07
6.32 25.5 2.62E-06
6.27 28.5 2.10E-06
6.35 31.5 1.83E-06
6.3 34.5 3.45 1.75E-06
6.32 37.5 2.13E-06
CONGLOMERATE
39 8.91
40.5 4.60E-07
43.5 9.89E-07
46.5 1.07E-06
SILTSTONE
49.5 7.44E-07
52.5 3.81E-07
55 4.05
55.5 2.46E-07
58.5 2.99E-07 Congl. SILTSTONE
58.75 8.08

The soil data collected for every depth was validated in the laboratory and documented at first in a metadata sheet as a PDF
document. Then, a database model was designed to store this information and link it to the main wells and boreholes records
through a unique ID for every soil type.Automating the electronic transformation was performed using FME Workbench [9].
Fig. 5 demonstrates the soil types recorded and validated by a local laboratory for BH-BDT-44. It confirms the depth of the
sample collected, core recovery elements, thickness and description of the structure found.

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Fig. 5- Soil Profile Sheet used for documenting soil information for every well/borehole

2.4.2 Image Processing of multispectral images

For best groundwater data analysis, different formats ofinputs are required, including raster, vector, and alphanumeric, to be
controlled by shared desktop-GIS, web-GIS, and Mobile-GIS environments. The solution was developed to combine data from
drones, field agronomic inspections, cadastre, and information about irrigation rights, among others.
This project relied on themultispectral drone imagery captured by the field team,which was used for the generation ofthe
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps [10]. Such practice is essential for soil segregation from vegetation
cover, differentiation between crops at different crop stages, and detection of plants under stress. Hence, it has been proven that
there are strong correlations between NDVI data measured at certain crop stages and crop yield. Hence, tracking the crop
growth at crucial steps helps estimate the crop yield and addresses issues early [11-12]. Table 3 lists the different levels of
acquisition performance of the Trimble UX5 Drone.

Table 3. Acquisition Performance (Trimble UX5 Drone)

Resolution (GSD) 1 cm to 25 cm (4 to 99 in)

Height above take-off location (AGL) 75 m to 750 m (246 to 2,460 feet)
Absolute accuracy XY/Z (no ground control points) down to 2 – 5 cm
Relative Ortho-mosaic/3D model accuracy (1-2x/1-5x GSD)
Resolution (GSD) 1 cm to 25 cm (4 to 99 in)

The Trimble UX5 HP drone used during the field survey is equipped with a modified color-infrared (CIR) Sony NEX5R fitted
with a 16 mm lens. On each flight day, roughly 100 ground-based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)
measurements were collected with the Trimble Green Seeker Handheld at a constant height of 80 cm above the target, of which
the center point was georeferenced to 2 cm accuracy using a Trimble R8RTK GNSS system [13]. Fig.6 shows an example of
the drone outputs such as an ortho-rectified image with elevation contours.

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Fig. 6. Drone Mapping Output: Corrected image showing contours

2.4.3 Vegetation Cover generation

Since NDVI is considered the most widely used vegetation index to assess large agricultural lands and monitor related
irrigation activities, it was integrated into theModeflowMap Desktop Module. NDVI has also been used to perform crop
classification in many areas worldwide, with high accuracy of up to 90%. This index takes advantage of the contrast between
the characteristics of two bands from a multispectral raster dataset; the chlorophyll pigment absorptions in the red band and the
high reflectivity of plant materials in the near-infrared (NIR) band [14]. The documented and default NDVI equation is
described as follows:
IR − R
NDVI = (1)
IR + R
As classification criteria, a threshold of NDVI greater than 0.2 was set. This threshold was empirically derived from matching
Planet's imagery with the vegetation shapefile provided by the Dubai Municipality. Any pixel with a higher value above this
threshold is considered "green" or covered by vegetation. With that, the vegetation cover percentage was calculated. This
threshold was determined empirically by comparing different resulting masks with the vegetation coverage map that the GISC
Centre provided. Figure 7 shows the NDVI index found for 226 communities within Dubai Emirate and classifies them into ten
classes from as low as 5 percent to 45 and above percent.

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Fig.7. Vegetation cover (%) in each of the 226 Districts of Dubai and Hatta, the top 20 districts are highlighted with a green
outline

Table 4. Overall Vegetation cover in October 2018

Area Vegetation cover (%)

DUBAI (mean average) 3.10
ALL DISTRICTS (mean average) 6.60
ALL DISTRICTS (Standard Deviation) 8.32

2.5 Data Processing and Analysis

2.5.1 Nearest Neighbor

One of the most efficient and oldest distance statistics is the nearest neighbor index. It is advantageous because it is a simple
tool to understand and calculate. Since two botanists developed it in the 1950s [15], it was primarily for fieldwork, but it has
also been used in many fields for a wide variety of problems[16]. It was also used inseveral other distance statistics
implemented in groundwater analysis and geostatistics.

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In this study, the nearest neighbor index compares the distances between nearest wells and distances that would be likely
expected on the basis of chance.
In order to calculate the nearest neighbor distances among the wells locations, The Average Nearest Neighbor tool on the
ArcGIS Desktop was used. This tool measures the distance between each well and its nearest neighbor's location. Then, it
averages all these nearest neighbor distances. When this average distance is less than the average for a hypothetical random
distribution, the distribution of the analyzed wells is considered clustered. However, the wells are considered dispersed when
the average distance is greater than a theoretical random distribution. Such analysis is essential for decision-makers to
understand the current status of the distribution of the wells, assess the effectiveness of the drainage and irrigation systems, and
take decisive actions accordingly [17].

The average Nearest Neighbor ratio is given as:

Do
ANN = (2)
De

Where Do is the observed mean distance between each feature and its nearest neighbor:
n
Do = (∑k=1 dk) /n (3)

And DE is the expected mean distance for the features given in a random pattern:
0.5
De = (4)
√n/A

In the above equation, di equals the distance between feature i and its nearest neighboring feature. While n corresponds to the
total number of features, A is the area of a minimum enclosing rectangle around all features or a user-specified Area Value.

The average nearest neighbor z-score for the statistic is calculated as:
Do−De
z= (5)
SE

Where:
0.26136
SE = 1 + (6)
√n2 /A

The pattern exhibits clustering if the average nearest neighbor index (ratio) is less than 1. However, if the index is greater than
1, the trend is toward dispersion.

Table5. Average Nearest Neighbor Summary

Observed Mean Distance: 26.0078 Meters

Expected Mean Distance: 188.8801 Meters
Nearest Neighbor Ratio: 0.137695
z-score: -359.279371
p-value: 0.000000

Given the z-score of -359.279371 in table 5, there is a less than 1% probability that this clustered pattern could result froma
random distribution. This means that the distribution of the wells subject of this study is clustered and could be considered a
good representative for groundwater analysis and prediction in the study area [18].

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2.5.2 Regression Analysis

During the analysis phase of this project, a regression equation was used in order to assess the relationship between the
collected water levels at the wells and their locations. In our case, the dependent variable to be modeledis the water level, while
the independent or explanatory variables are Easting and Northings (Coordinates). Every independent variable is associated
with a regression coefficient that describes the relationship's strength between the variable and the dependent one. The
regression equation used is described belowwhere Y is the dependent variable (Water Level), the Xs are the explanatory
variables (Northings and Eastings), and the βs are regression coefficients:

Y = β0 + β1X1 + β2x2 + β3X3+. . . . . + βnXn + ε (7)

The Residuals are the unexplained portion of the dependent variable (well water level), represented in the regression equation
as the random error term ε.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This project is a one-year effort targeting registering, collecting, and analyzing data for over 47,000 wells distributed in Dubai
Emirate. This project builds a solid foundation to better manage Dubai's groundwater and agriculture resources in the long-term
future. Experienced technical teams from the local authoritieshad been allocated to collect this data since January 2018 -
resulting in more than six months of technical fieldwork. The field teams recorded each well's location, type, and depth with
durable hand-held GPS-equipped devices where the ModeflowMap Mobile solution was installed and configured. They
measured groundwater's flow rate, depth, salinity, and hydro-chemical profile at each well site. A registration plate was fixed
toidentify each well physically, and the data was uploaded into the ModeflowMap GIS database. Furthermore, the soil samples
were collected from four different depths inrandomly selectedlocations, and each was analyzed for soil type and salinity. A
portion of these soil samples was also sent to specialized laboratories for further and more detailed analysis.

As a result, processingthecollectedinformation at the level of eachwell combined with administrative historicaldata is

considered a key support element to predict and simulate pressures, temperatures, sodium, and other water-related parameters
to prevent non-controlled and harmful drilling procedures. Therefore, understanding the spatial distribution patterns of these
wells is mandatory [19].

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Fig.8. Chart of the Average Nearest Neighbor Summary generated for the Dubai Wells

According to Average Nearest Neighbor summary results, the clustered distribution of the wells in Dubai Emirate suggests that
the Dubai wells distribution is clustered and not random, which means that groundwater parameters for a specific well with
unknown values can be estimated and predicted based on the nearest wells with known values (z score = -359.279371). Fig. 8
demonstrates the category of Dubai wells distribution as clustered.
The measurements of water levels in groundwater wellsprovide the most fundamental indicator of the status of thisresource.
They are critical to meaningful evaluations of the quantity and quality of groundwater and its interaction with surfacewater.
Therefore, scatter plotting isused in this study as another way to visualize the relationship between the spatial location and the
water level as essential groundwater parameters. As described in the methodology section, a regression equation had been
calculated, and the associated trend line and R² were plotted on the scatter plots (Fig.9). The trend line models the linear
relationship between Latitude, Longitude, and water levels, respectively, and the R² quantifies how well the data fits the model.

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 (a) (b)

Fig.9. Scatter plotting of groundwater level vs.(a) Longitude and (b) Latitude

Fig.9 depictsthe relationship between the dependant variable, which is, in this case, the water level against the longitude and
latitude as explanatory variables.Overall, for both explanatory variables, R-squared = 0.01, which is 1%, and this means that
the model doesn't fit well for prediction if we take into consideration all wells as a frame for sampling; however, more than
50% of the wells fit thisregression model with more than 85%. These wells that fit the regression model are interactively
selected through the system and can be used as the main sampling frame (Fig 10).

(a) (b)

Fig.10. Scatter plotting and selection of best fitting wells to the regression model (85% fit)(a) Longitude and (b) Latitude

Evaluating the residualsis also very important since it can display problematic patterns in the residuals. Fig. 11 portrays these
residuals for better regression analysis of the results [20].

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Fig.11. Histogram of standard Residuals for Dubai Groundwater wells Regression model – Water level vs. Spatial location

Overall, this histogram of residuals matchesapproximately the standard curve indicated above in blue.This supports that the
regression model is not biased [21].
In order to focus the study and the analysis results on the wells that match the regression model discussed in this paper, a
selection of 29,713 wells was made to create the mainframe of wells for groundwater analysis and strategic planning-related
tasks. These wells, along with the archived ones, were stored in the central ModeflowMap enterprise GIS database for further
analysis, dissemination, and evaluation. Fig. 12 shows an example of filtering the wells based on their type. These wells
highlighted in red represent the Dubai Tunnel wells used to monitor the groundwater resources in the proximity of the world's
biggest stormwater drainage tunnel.

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 Tunnel
Boreholes

Fig.12. Modeflow Map Web Module- Mapping of Tunnel Boreholes

Fig. 13 displays the differences between the calculated and actual water depths (retrieved from ModeflowMap database)
compared to the Dubai Municipality Datum (DMD for some boreholes where the model gives the acceptable results (b) and
where it doesn't (a) [22].

In total, 47,433 groundwater wells were registered in Dubai. Of the wells surveyed 43.9 percent were found operational. Most
of the wells belonged to agricultural areas, followed by forests and remote well fields. 141 wells were found in regions outside
redefined municipal boundaries. Depth to groundwater were measurements recorded for 24,312 wells showing that
approximately a third of the wells were dried-out with an average depth of 102 meters (m) below the surface and large
regional.

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(a)

(b)

Fig.13. Modeflow Map Web Module- Dissemination of water level prediction vs. Actual

This effort helps establish a baseline for groundwater resources throughout the seasons to identify key performance indicators
for agricultural activities' future management plans.
This study also depicts the results of standard spatial analytics used for groundwater, including data elevation modeling,
vegetation cover mapping,wells distribution…etc. Fig 14. represents the data elevation model generated from a total of
298,484control points with 100 meters resolution, which was used as the primary reference for calculating the well ground
depths versus the Dubai Municipality Datum (DMD), which is also referred to as Dubai Maritime Datum [22].

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Fig.14. Data Elevation Model generated from a total of 298,484 control points (100 meters resolution)

Conclusions
The drive of this project has been to illustratethe importance of systematic, long-term collectionof water-level data. Such data
are fundamental to understanding and resolving complex water resource issues commonly faced by hydrologists, water-supply
managers, engineers, regulatory agencies, and the public.
In order to ensure that adequate waterlevel data are being collected for present and anticipated future uses, observation-well
networks need to be evaluated periodically. Therefore, this study depicts the field survey results conducted in Dubai, which
covered 47,433 wells and boreholes in the Emirate.
This field survey was conducted using ModeflowMap; an innovative Enterprise GIS Solution developed to collect groundwater
quality parameters, including the water level. This tool was the primary solution used to collect groundwater data for 47,433
wells and boreholes in Dubai. It was designed as a preliminary effort to store the records relevant to the quality, quantity,
biological, and chemical properties, as well as the type and location of groundwater resources. Such data helped track and

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analyze the status and uses of groundwater reserves. Furthermore, the findings assisted in improving and promoting the
efficient use of water resources in the Emirate.
Such comprehensive effort is mandatory to fully understand the state of the groundwater resources in the Emirate and support
the development of effective policies to manage these resources efficiently.
This projectconcluded that geospatial analytics such as Nearest Neighbour and Regression Analysis to model and predict water
level data could be used when selecting a frame from the complete set of data to fit the regression model best.

Given the importance of the coordinated efforts between the concerned government departments to collect, analyze and share
spatial data related to groundwater resources, the task of deploying ModeflowMap as an integrated solution for collecting
critical groundwater wells information to enhance the simulation and the prediction of groundwater is of great value for
severalentities. Moreover, the results of this project support groundwater scientists in establishing a clear plan for
implementing the necessary framework of policies, data procedures, partnerships, standards, technology, and institutional
capabilities that collectively will comprise Dubai's groundwater Resources Hub. +
However, a commitment to long-term monitoring is needed to avoid data gaps resulting from an inadequate distribution of
wells or periods of no measurements in a hydrologic record.Disruptions in the hydrologic register can hinder the ability of
water-resources managers to make sound decisions. Wherever water-level data are not available, hydrologic information
needed to address critical groundwater problems may be impossible to obtain. Although ModeflowMapgroundwater databases
can be accessed by many entities, detailed and complete records of historical groundwater data are limited or unavailable.
Consequently, potentially valuable data reside in paper files where accessibility and utility are minimal. Finally, to improve the
collection and accessibility of water-level data, Dubai Municipality needs to examine ways to enhance interagency
coordination in constructing and maintaining observationwells networks, collecting waterlevel measurements, and sharing and
disseminating spatial data. Better interagency cooperation will definitely help ensure that data-collection efforts are sufficient
to address issues relevant to the greatest variety of the groundwater-resources challenges.

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