Nama Water Expands Operations to 1.41M m³/Day: Implications for Investors and Business Growth in Oman
MUSCAT, DEC 16 – Nama Water Services (NWS) is enhancing its operational efficiency and system resilience, managing an impressive total water production capacity of approximately 1.41 million cubic meters per day. This is bolstered by a comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) program that oversees water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the country. The significant capacity under management underscores the importance of effective O&M performance in ensuring water security, service reliability, and cost efficiency.
This update was delivered by Yousuf al Siyabi during the Water Majlis 2025, an event organized by the Oman-German Friendship Association (OGFA) in collaboration with NWS, supported by the German Water Partnership and IntercityHotel Muscat. The Water Majlis was held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib al Said, Chairman of OGFA, and gathered senior government officials as well as stakeholders from utilities and the private sector to discuss operational performance and investment priorities within Oman’s water sector.
NWS’s presentation emphasized the critical role of disciplined O&M execution in maximizing the effective use of national water production capacity. The company’s 1.41 million m³/day capacity is underpinned by 61 desalination plants, 115 pumping stations, 922 reservoirs and tanks, 475 tanker filling stations, and 865 wells. These essential assets constitute the foundation of Oman’s potable water supply and necessitate continuous monitoring and preventive maintenance to ensure seamless operations.
To deliver this capacity to consumers, NWS operates a nationwide network that spans over 26,200 kilometers, including 4,135 kilometers of transmission pipelines and 17,250 kilometers of distribution lines. The system is divided into 416 district metered areas (DMAs), allowing for better pressure management, improved monitoring, and targeted operational interventions.
Currently, NWS serves approximately 754,000 water customers and 226,000 wastewater customers, demonstrating extensive service coverage across urban centers and remote communities. In terms of wastewater, the company runs 58 sewage treatment plants, 78 pumping and lifting stations, and nearly 4,900 kilometers of sewer networks, alongside treated effluent infrastructure and a composting facility. In total, NWS manages over 2,400 operational assets, highlighting the complexity of its O&M responsibilities.
The O&M framework at NWS is built around five strategic pillars: operational efficiency, non-revenue water reduction, SCADA and automation, systems resilience, and water quality management. Key initiatives include performance-based contracts, energy optimization, pressure management, asset rehabilitation, condition monitoring, and technical workforce development. Field teams utilize advanced technologies such as correlators, noise loggers, flow and pressure data loggers, helium gas detectors, and specialized software to facilitate rapid fault detection and repair.
Digital integration is vital for maximizing the value of installed capacity. Platforms like SCADA, GIS, AMR, CMMS, and Qlik Sense contribute to real-time performance dashboards and automated technical reporting, enhancing response times, customer service, and maintenance planning. This integrated approach has led to significant performance improvements, with water loss decreasing from 47% in 2021 to around 33% by 2024–2025.
NWS has established clear efficiency goals to optimize its 1.41 million m³/day capacity further, aiming for water losses of 21% by 2030 and 10% by 2040. This trajectory illustrates how robust O&M practices are becoming a cornerstone of Oman’s long-term water resilience and infrastructure sustainability.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The strategic enhancements by Nama Water Services (NWS) in water management signal promising opportunities for businesses focusing on sustainability and infrastructure. With their rigorous operations and maintenance (O&M) framework, investors should consider the growing demand for efficient water solutions as Oman emphasizes water security. However, the transition towards advanced technologies and integrated systems may pose initial challenges for traditional operators, highlighting a need for adaptive strategies in both investment and operational practices.
