This will bring expenditure on dams to Dh475 million. Dams were built in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah to expand water storage and capture rainwater which otherwise would drain away.
They also act as a means of flood control, protecting local residents during times of heavy rain. These dams also play a vital role in national development by maintaining ground water in both quality and quantity.
Each year 120 million cubic metres of rain water are fed into the underground water system. On average, this water lies 100 metres below the surface of the ground. Since this water is not sufficiently replenished by natural sources, it often becomes highly saline, as much as 7,000 parts per million in some cases.
The dams were built to halt this degradation and help maintain the water level. This year the number of dams will hit 64 with a total capacity of 140 million cubic metres.
Dams perform seven primary functions:
1. Feeding underground water resources;
2. Maintaining water quality and preventing the incursion of seawater;
3. Harnessing surface water for irrigation;
4. Prevention of soil erosion caused by flooding;
5. Reduction of flood damage;
6. Improving soil quality by promoting silting;
7. Supplying water for agricultural irrigation.
Dams built in Ras Al Khaimah
* Wadi Shaam is 145 metres wide and 11 metres high. It benefits 1,500 homes and 134 farms.
* Wadi Ghalilah is 420 metres wide and 6 metres high. It benefits 1,100 homes and 188 farms.
* Wadi Qudhaa is 338 metres wide and 11 metres high. It benefits 1,500 homes and 108 farms.
* Wadi Sidr (A) is 90 metres wide and 4 metres high. It benefits 350 homes and 74 farms.
* Wadi Sidr (B) is 95 metres wide and 4 metres high. It benefits 350 homes and 74 farms.
* Wadi Shoukah I is 105 metres wide and 27 metres high. It benefits 450 homes and 112 farms.
* Wadi Shoukah II is 112 metres wide and 10 metres high. It benefits 450 homes and 112 farms.
* Wadi Buraq is 375 metres wide and 9 metres high. it benefits 1,200 homes and 90 farms.
* Wadi Safni is 193 metres wide and 14 metres high. It benefits 300 homes and 75 farms.
* Wadi Ashwani is 270 metres wide and 11 metres high. It benefits 750 homes and 112 farms.
Dams built in Fujairah
* Wadi Merbih Qudfu'a is 470 metres wide and 7 metres high. It benefits 1,170 homes and 435 farms.
* Wadi Safd I is 120 metres wide and 24 metres high.
* Wadi Safd II is 77 metres wide and 9 metres high.
* Wadi Safd III is 326 metres wide and 7 metres high.
* Wadi Safd IV is 400 metres wide and 6 metres high.
These four dams benefit 230 homes and 82 farms.
* Wadi Ham (B) is 130 metres wide and 13 metres high. It benefits 200 homes and 75 farms.
* Wadi Ham (C) is 120 metres wide and 12 metres high. It benefits 50 homes and 43 farms.
* Wadi Al Hil is 118 metres wide and 6 metres high. It benefits 40 homes and 26 farms.
* Wadi Hamad (A) is 350 metres wide and 6 metres high. It benefits 40 homes and 16 farms.
* Wadi Hamad (B) is 320 metres wide and 6 metres high. It benefits 40 homes and 18 farms.
* Wadi Siji I is 540 metres wide and 12 metres high.
* Wadi Siji II is 90 metres wide and 4 metres high.
* Wadi Siji III is 147 meters wide and 6 meters high.
The three Wadi Siji dams benefit 312 homes and 210 farms.
* Wadi Ramath is 451 metres wide and 9 metres high. It benefits 80 homes and 46 farms.
* Wadi Mey is 225 metres wide and 5 metres high. It benefits 40 homes and 56 farms.
* Wadi Dalm is 403 metres wide and 13 metres high. It benefit 68 homes and 45 farms.
* Wadi Al Rakibi is 180 metres wide and 12 metres high. It benefits 70 homes and 23 farms.
Dams under construction in Sharjah
* Four storage dams in Seih Al Fili. Each is 810 metres wide and 8 metres high.
* Storage dams in Wadi Siqibat are 1,200 metres wide and 8 metres high.
* Storage dams in Wadi Nassas are 329 metres wide and 15 metres high.
Dams under construction in Ras Al Khaimah
* Al Mansab is 332 metres wide and 10 metres high.
* Al Qashish is 223 metres wide and 12 metres high.
* Al Qasaa is 550 metres wide and 12 metre high.
Dams under construction in Ajman
* Al Khoros is 60 metres wide and 8 metres high.
* Al Mostab is 75 metres wide and 10 metres high.
* Al Kholaiban is 110 metres wide and 17 metres high.
* Al Gozair is 145 metres wide and 11 metres high.
