Abstract
Prospects for the rehabilitation and utilization of galleries constructed hundreds of years ago to transport high quality groundwater to the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, were explored. The design and function of the underground distribution system is described. Analysis of water quality in the old galleries indicates that this water resource is suitable for irrigation. Some irrigation restrictions may be required because of high salinity and nitrate content, but the water quality is judged applicable for landscape irrigation of trees and ornamental plants after disinfection.