TITLE: Advisory Services to WAJ in Hydrogeology
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES: The staff of the Water Resources Studies Directorate (WRSD) is
self-reliant in the preparation of modern planning instruments and documents in the
groundwater sector. An assessment of the groundwater resources of Northern
Jordan has been completed as a contribution to the sustainable use of the water
resources of Jordan.
APPROACH: On-the-job training and in-courses.
The project activities included the following main tasks:
1. Improve the know-how and self-reliance of the staff of the WRSD.
2. Improve the hydrogeological and hydrological data base of Northern Jordan.
3. Prepare groundwater models for a better understanding of the groundwater
system and predictions on aquifer reaction to groundwater abstractions.
4. Introduce methods of groundwater protection.
5. Undertake special training courses in the project and abroad.
Present Status of German Contribution (Project Input)
-- One long-term expert, project leader, hydrogeologist, (07/91 - 09/96)
-- One long-term expert, hydrogeologist, (10/92 - 03/96)
-- One long-term expert, groundwater modelling/geohydraulics, (07/92 - 11/93)
-- One long-term expert, groundwater modelling/geohydraulics, (07/95 - 07/96)
-- One local long-term computer expert, (09/92 - 08/95)
-- Short-term experts in various fields
-- Two field cars
-- One VAX-station 4000/60 (multi user system)
-- Five personal computers, 1 notebook computer
-- Three printers and other peripheral computer equipment, software
-- On-the-job training and abroad:
-- Two physicists for one year at IHE/Holland (groundwater modelling)
-- Five engineers/hydrogeologists for 3-4 months at BGR/Germany.
-- Director of WRSD and Project Coordinator; 2 weeks in BGR and Prague;
conference on groundwater quality and protection.
BEGINNING DATE: July 1991
ENDING DATE: September 1996
COMMENTS ON DATES:
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: The project is in its final stage. It
is expected that the goals and objectives can be achieved within the remaining time
period. The know-how and self-reliance of the staff of WRSD/WAJ has been
significantly improved. The results of the assessment of the water resources of
Northern Jordan are being published in a series of technical reports with numerous
maps, corrected and updated data files, and detailed proposals for further studies
and the practical application of the results. The reports have been prepared in close
co-operation between the Jordanian and German specialists.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Manfred Hobler (Dr.)
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 926238
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 680100 Ext. 544
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 683402
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Groundwater Basins Monitoring and Protection Project (GWBMPP)
PROBLEM: Actual groundwater abstraction data for private wells throughout
Jordan have been almost non- existent. The majority of wells in Jordan are private
wells, consequently, groundwater abstraction data from these wells potentially
represent a serious water use data gap in Jordan’s development and evaluation of
strategic long-term water resources planning and management options.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Survey groundwater wells in every basin and monitor or determine (estimate) the
volume of abstracted water (by type of use);
2. Install water meters on each groundwater production well and monitor
groundwater abstraction rates at regular intervals;
3. Protect groundwater basins from pollution and present recommendations to
maintain good standard for groundwater quality;
4. Establish a program to ensure that licenses are obtained for new wells and that
well drillers are properly licensed;
5. Perform routine field measurements for salinity and static water level in
observation wells.
APPROACH:
1. Nine field offices were created throughout Jordan to support the GWBMPP and
the work commenced on January 1, 1993.
2. Orientation and training courses were conducted by specialists from WAJ for the
GWMPP staff to explain their duties and responsibilities, particularly their field
activities.
3. Field surveys were completed for the different types of wells (governmental,
agricultural and industrial);
4. The forms and data were carefully checked and the data was entered into a data
base created for the project. The data base was based on the UNDP data base
administrated by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.
5. The discharge data from wells (groundwater abstraction) was calculated by:
a) Number of pumping hours for each well;
b) Comparing the discharge with irrigated areas. The accuracy of information
depends on the co-operation of the farmers and this was considered in the analysis.
BEGINNING DATE:
ENDING DATE:
COMMENTS ON DATES:
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS:
1. Updating and reviewing data in the computer data base which was collected from
the field surveys and monitoring activities.
2. Identify and determine names and wells, which are illegal in Azraq, Hammad and
Jafr basins, and refer them to local authorities.
3. Continue with installation of water meters to help restrict amount of groundwater
abstracted from each well and calculate the total abstraction from all basins.
4. Use the data from the project to improve the annual water budget year analysis
because abstraction data, and the names and identification numbers of wells have
become more accurate.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Kheir Al-Hadidi (Dr.)
ADDRESS: Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ)
P.O. Box 2412
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 680100
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 679143
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Groundwater Monitoring Division / Water Authority of Jordan
PROBLEM:
1. Increasing salinity of groundwater wells
2. Depletion of groundwater level
3. Groundwater contamination
OBJECTIVES:
1. To indicate the level of salinity intrusions to groundwater
2. To monitor the depletion in groundwater levels (if any)
APPROACH:
1. Analyzing of water samples from the well fields (either chemically or biologically)
2. Installation of water-level gauges to monitor water levels
3. Measurement of the amounts extracted of groundwater within the basins
BEGINNING DATE: Established in 1965
ENDING DATE: Not Applicable
COMMENTS ON DATES: This work will continue in this division
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS:
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Abdul - Rahman Mustafa (Division Head)
ADDRESS: Ministry of Water and Irrigation
Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ)
Water Resources Studies Department
P.O. Box 2412
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 680100 Ext. 548
TELEFAX:
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Water Quality Improvement and Conservation Project (WQIC)
PROBLEM: This project, funded by USAID, focuses specifically on the Zarqa
River Basin. This watershed is the source of water for the city of Amman, as well as
the King Talal Reservoir (KTR), which provides water for the Jordan Valley, the
country’s largest source of agricultural exports. Inadequate wastewater treatment
and industrial effluent have caused serious pollution of the reservoirs water, which
threatens public health and agriculture.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Promote more effective and efficient use of scarce water supplies.
2. Improve the overall management of Jordan’s water resources.
3. Reduce or prevent watershed pollution.
4. Increase public awareness of water conservation.
APPROACH: WQIC has four water resource management components:
monitoring; pollution prevention and cleanup; irrigation; and education.
The water resource management component related to monitoring involves water
data collection, analysis and assessment of water resources. To achieve this, WQIC
considered the following tasks:
1. Water quality monitoring;
2. Management Information System for the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI);
3. Refurbishment of the Central Laboratory of the Water Authority of Jordan, which
monitors the water quality throughout the country.
BEGINNING DATE: 1993
ENDING DATE: 1998
COMMENTS ON DATES:
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS:
1. Water Quality Monitoring: This task, originally focused on the Zarqa River
Basin, has been expanded to include all water monitoring systems in Jordan. WQIC
assessed the available water quality monitoring equipment and, in 1994, prepared a
draft report which recommended improvements. A review of country- wide water
monitoring facilities, which included recommendations for upgrades and
establishment of new monitoring systems, was completed in April 1995. Detailed
monitoring plans for the Zarqa Basin are also being developed.
2. Management Information System (MIS): The purpose of this task is to develop a
comprehensive information system to be used throughout the Ministry of Water
and Irrigations operations. Following a 1994 - needs analysis, WQIC identified five
potential MIS designs, two of which were identified for specific consideration. In
April 1995, WQIC began a detailed engineering design. WQIC has procured
ORACLE data base software to develop an MIS.
3. Central Laboratory upgrade: WQIC prepared an assessment of the Water
Authority’s Central Laboratory, which included an evaluation of equipment, space,
personnel needs, and quality assurance protocols. Recommendations were made on
how to upgrade the laboratory. WQIC is funding the laboratory’s upgrading, and
procurement of critical equipment has begun. Since the laboratory lacks the space
for the recommended upgrades and equipment, WQIC submitted a design for a new
laboratory to the MWI in August 1995. USAID authorized a nation-wide
assessment of practices and conditions at Jordan’s water quality laboratories. This
assessment will establish a baseline for consistency in analytical procedures and
quality assurance practices for all laboratories. USAID plans to finance $850,000 in
equipment procurement and related studies in support of this assessment.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. Dario Dal Santo
ADDRESS: Ministry of Water and Irrigation
Shmeisani,
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 699344
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 699344
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Strengthening of the National Capacity in Water Resources Planning
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES: The project is intended to strengthen the Water Resources Planning
Unit within
the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to make it capable of:
a) Formulating long-term, sustainable and environmentally sound water resources
development programs.
b) Analysis and evaluation of existing and forthcoming projects related to water
consumption or disposal from technical, economic and environmental protection
points of view.
c) Providing advice to the government on various aspects of water resources
development and use.
APPROACH: To achieve the above mentioned objectives, the project defined five
main outputs.
These outputs are:
1. Updated and upgraded water data bank with enhanced retrieval capability.
2. Operational computer models, reports and user manuals for computing basin and
national water balances, for computing rainfall / runoff relationships, for
groundwater management, for projecting water demands and for economic
evaluation.
3. A projects catalogue summarizing the main feature of existing and proposed
water supply projects, including investment and annual cost; a compendium of
existing water uses with projected demands (if any) to be used for planning
purposes.
4. Guidelines on criteria and techniques for evaluating the economic, social and
environmental impact of water development of selected strategies.
5. Regular reports to senior water managers and to development planning
authorities (Ministry of Planning) on the status of water supply and use in Jordan,
and regular briefing notes to public awareness programs aimed at encouragement of
more effective water use and the improvement of water demand management.
BEGINNING DATE: January 1993
ENDING DATE: September 1995
COMMENTS ON DATES: Extended recently to mid 1998
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: Progress has been made only in
the first, second and fifth outputs, especially in the updating and upgrading the
Water Data Bank. The other outputs were not tackled due to involvement of other
projects in the water planning in the MWI such as USAID project (WQIC) and GTZ
project. So in order to avoid duplication in implementing the activities of the three
projects, it was necessary to revise the objectives and activities of the UNDP
project. In March - April 1996 a new revision of the UNDP project was agreed upon
and mainly approved the first and second outputs, and the time schedule was
extended to mid 1998 to be accomplished. The delay in implementing the project
activities was due to restructuring of the MWI and other issues.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: UNDP
ADDRESS: Ministry of Water and Irrigation
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 680100
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 680871
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Azraq Oasis Conservation Project
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES:
1. Prepare a water well inventory
2. Conduct water quality monitoring program
3. Establish water level monitoring system
4. Devise groundwater quality model
5. Devise groundwater flow model
6. Update the data bank in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation
APPROACH:
1. Collection and assessment of all reports pertaining to Azraq Oasis
2. Identification of well coordinates, whether private or public using the Global
Positioning System (GPS)
3. Categorization of well use (domestic, industrial, irrigation) and inscribing the well
discharge
4. Designation of 50 wells to conduct the water quality monitoring program and 18
other wells for water level measurements
5. Conducting the quality and quantity monitoring programs, to monitor water
levels, withdrawal practices and chemical characteristics in representative wells
6. Rehabilitation of some wells in the basin
7. Updating the data bank
8. Identification of the need to drill a maximum of four new wells for monitoring
purposes
9. Modelling of groundwater flow and quality to assess future trends
10. Forecasting of future water needs in Azraq basin
11. Assessment of management options and preparation of management plan
BEGINNING DATE: January 1994
ENDING DATE: December 1996
COMMENTS ON DATES: There might be an extension to second phase
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: Progress reports are being printed
every three months.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. Charlie Twal
Mr. Naser El- Manaseer
Mr. Salameh Khriesha
ADDRESS: Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ)
Seventh Floor, Room 709
P.O. Box 2412
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 680100
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 830726
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Groundwater Investigation in the Hammad and Sirhan Basin
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES:
1. To formulate a phased implementation plan for optimum utilization of the water
resources within the study area.
2. To prepare a detailed hydrogeological study of the shallow aquifer comprised of
shallow Limestone and Rijam aquifer.
3. To conduct a study at a reconnaissance level of Amman - Wadi Sir and deep
sandstone aquifer.
4. To evaluate at a pre-feasibility level the potential for exploitation of runoff for
artificial groundwater recharge and surface storage.
APPROACH:
1. Initial review of data and information and submission of Inception Report,
providing details about the consultants, initial finding including a formulation of the
drilling program.
2. Preparation of designs, specifications and tender documents for exploratory
drilling and pump-testing, tendering, and evaluation of tenders and award of
contract.
3. Borehole drilling investigations, which included the drilling and construction of
observation and exploratory-test boreholes, geophysical logging and pump-testing.
4. Chemical and isotopic analysis of groundwater.
5. Monitoring of water levels, survey of electric conductivity and abstractions.
6. Survey of all project area and select existing boreholes to determine their
elevation and location.
7. Collection and collation of existing and new hydrological, geological,
hydrogeological, hydrochemical and data relating to all aquifers, both shallow and
deep.
8. Preparation of a hydrogeological map of the Hammad - Sirhan basins at the scale
of 1:500,000 with reference to the limestone aquifer.
9. Hydrological studies.
10. Review of available reports and analysis and interpretation of all data.
11. Modelling of the Rijam aquifer.
BEGINNING DATE: February 1992
ENDING DATE: November 1995
COMMENTS ON DATES:
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS:
-- Water Authority of Jordan have submitted the final report of the project.
-- A request had been put forward to utilize the remaining funds for further
exploration into deeper strata in the study area.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. Abbas Zuhair Kalbouneh
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 540764
Amman 11937 Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 849017
TELEFAX:
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Data Bank for Water Quality in Jordan
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES: This project aims at compiling the data collected by the Environment
Research Center at the Royal Scientific Society on water quality at various locations
in the Kingdom. The water quality data base was designed in such a way that
facilitates its optimal use by decision-makers and designated authorities for
planning purposes.
APPROACH:
1. Collection of the available data at the Environment Research Centre and
classification of the data into relevant categories
2. Design of the data bank programs
3. Data input using “Access” data base
4. Update the data bank and input of the latest collected data regularly
BEGINNING DATE: 1994
ENDING DATE: Ongoing
COMMENTS ON DATES: There is no specific ending date for this project since
the Data Bank is regularly updated with recent data.
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS:
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. N. Al-Mulki
ADDRESS: Royal Scientific Society (RSS)
P.O. Box 925819
Amman 11110 Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 844701
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 844806
E-MAIL: Nael@RSS.Gov.Jo.
TITLE: The National Project Study of Water Quality in Jordan
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES: Monitoring and evaluation of the quality of drinking water, bottled
mineral water, domestic and industrial wastewater, surface and groundwater.
APPROACH:
1. Determination of samples location was agreed upon with the Environmental
Department / Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.
2. Sampling and analysis are conducted according to the Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1992, 18th edition.
3. Interpretation of analysis results and evaluation of the water quality in the
monitored locations.
BEGINNING DATE: 1986
ENDING DATE: 1996
COMMENTS ON DATES: May be extended for another year
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: Annual reports have been
prepared since the beginning of the project. These reports contain a description of
the work conducted throughout the year including samples analysis and results,
conclusions and recommendations.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. Zeyad Hammad
ADDRESS: Royal Scientific Society (RSS)
P.O. Box 925819
Amman 11110 Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 844701
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 844806
E-MAIL:
TITLE: King Talal Reservoir Project
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES:
1. Monitoring of the water quality within the King Talal Reservoir and its tributaries,
as well as the quality of water leaving the Reservoir to King Abdulla Canal.
2. Evaluation of results in order to determine the level of pollution in the reservoir
water (if any).
APPROACH:
1. Water Samples are taken from designated locations for laboratory testing and
analysis. These locations are:-
a) The Reservoir’s inlet
b) At Wadi Rmeimeen (a tributary that discharges its water to the Reservoir; that
water consisting of treated wastewater effluents mixed with spring water)
c) At the middle of the Reservoir’s lake
d) The Reservoir’s outlet
e) At a diversion weir about 13 km after the water is discharged from the Reservoir
f) At Sawalha area, before the mixing of the Reservoir Water with King Abdulla
Canal water
g) At 1 km distance after mixing with King Abdulla Canal water
2. Sampling and analysis are conducted according to the Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1992, 18th edition
3. Interpretation of analysis results and evaluation of the water quality in the
monitored locations
BEGINNING DATE: 1980
ENDING DATE: 1996
COMMENTS ON DATES: May be extended for another year
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: Annual reports have been
prepared since the beginning of the project. These reports contain a description of
the work conducted throughout the year including samples analysis and results,
conclusions and recommendations.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Miss Fidaa Jibril
ADDRESS: Royal Scientific Society (RSS)
P.O. Box 925819
Amman 11110 Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 844701
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 844806
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Pilot Project for Isotope Hydrology Application on Studying Artificial
Recharge to the Groundwater
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES: This study is a part of regional project supported by the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and relevant studies are also
conducted in Syria, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran.
Jordan is also the coordinator party in this project.
The main objectives of this study are:
1. To improve the existence of groundwater recharge through the dams that receive
water either from the floods or other water sources.
2. To define the influence of the artificial recharge on the groundwater availability.
3. To detect any isotope and water quality changes occurring in the water and the
mechanism of the recharge to the groundwater through the unsaturated zone.
4. To develop isotope and geochemical models to study the processes taking place
along the flow paths either horizontal or vertical.
APPROACH: The study is taking into consideration four artificial recharge dams in
Jordan representing different parts of the country as a pilot project. These dams are:
Siwaqa, Khaldia, Kafrein and Shueib. Two dams are located in the highlands, the
other two are in the Jordan Valley.
The sampling program involves at least one monthly sample from the water stored
in the dams. In cases of rain- storm events, shorter time-spans for sampling are
considered. Samples are also taken from a number of wells located mainly
downstream each of the dams, either during pumping or where there is no pumping.
The samples are analyzed in the laboratories both chemical and biologically.
BEGINNING DATE: 1995
ENDING DATE: 1997
COMMENTS ON DATES: May be extended for another two years
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: Samples have been collected from
sites, and results were analyzed and interpreted. It is intended to discuss these
results in a regional meeting (workshop) to be held in Dec. 1996/ Jan. 1997.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. R. Gedeon (Dr.)
Mr. Hassan Amro
ADDRESS: Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ)
Laboratories and Water Quality Department
P.O. Box 2412
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 711361 / 2
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 712275
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Vulnerability of Groundwater Resources to Natural Radiological Hazards in
the Semi-Arid Terrains of North Africa and the Mediterranean Basin
PROBLEM: Local surveys conducted in the Amman - Zarqa basin by the Water
Authority of Jordan (WAJ) showed that concentrations of naturally occurring
radioisotopes of the uranium decay chain are enhanced in groundwater supplies,
probably due to the wide-spread occurrence of uranium rich formations. Sample
analysis by WAJ showed that approximately 25% of wells would fail to meet
existing WHO guidelines for total alpha particle activity due to the presence of
either radon, uranium (which is chemically, as well as radiochemically toxic), radium
or a combination of these nuclides. Therefore, the Amman - Zarqa basin of Jordan
was given priority to conduct this project funded by the European Community
Avicenne Initiative.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To determine the spatial and temporal distribution of naturally occurring
radionuclides and associated trace elements in waters of the Amman - Zarqa basin;
and to interpret data to define the factors controlling their release and mobility.
2. The degree of radiological and chemical hazard to the local population through
potable and agriculture use of water will be estimated and presented in a format
suitable for (a) the definition of management options, such as water treatment
and/or aquifer protection, (b) the construction of vulnerability profiles for the study
area.
3. To develop and transfer expertise in the counterpart organization (British
Geological Survey; BGS) facilitating the assessment of the vulnerability of socially
important, finite, water resources to man-made and natural hazards, naturally
occurring radionuclides will constitute the hazard being studied).
APPROACH: The main input by the British Geological Survey (BGS) is in the form
of advice formulated from review of existing documentation and data as collected,
analytical services where they are unavailable and on- the-job training with the
object of transferring expertise to WAJ and associated organizations. Inputs by the
BGS and WAJ are coordinated to:
1. Review the distribution of radio elements within the phosphate rich formations of
the Amman - Zarqa basin using data from existing publications and in-house
literature.
2. Extend the determination of radium, radon and total alpha particle activity in
groundwater, surface water, potable and irrigation water samples to include other
potentially hazardous members of the U and Th series radionuclides from the
selected field sites.
3. Determine the concentration and availability of U and Th series radionuclides in
core samples from representative formations at field sites, selected on the basis of
data collected during preliminary investigations.
4. Assess the vulnerability of selected aquifers and host geological formations to
increased infiltration / leaching due to mining, natural contamination and
exploitation.
5. Recommend and formulate appropriate future management, remediation and
protection strategies.
BEGINNING DATE: 1994
ENDING DATE: 1997
COMMENTS ON DATES:
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: Three scientific papers have been
produced based on the results of this study. Two of them were presented in
international symposiums in Vienna in 1995. Another paper was published in the
Journal of Mining and Environmental Management; volume 3, March 1995. The
paper was entitled “Naturally Occurring Uranium Pollution in Jordan”. A fourth
paper has also been prepared on groundwater pollution by natural radionuclides,
which will be presented at a conference in Prague - Czech Republic in September
1996.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. B. Smith
ADDRESS: British Geological Survey (BGS)
Keyworth
Nottingham NG12 5GG
United Kingdom
TELEPHONE: (+) 441-15-936-3100
TELEFAX: (+) 441-15-936-3200
E-MAIL:
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: R. Gedeon (Dr.)
ADDRESS: Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ)
P.O. Box 2412
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 680100
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 679143
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Protection of Groundwater Underlying Wastewater Recharge Sites
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this project is to establish the extent of
groundwater pollution in areas where wastewater recharge is likely to take place.
The project will provide a focus for identifying the most serious problems, if any, at
an early stage. If pollution is found to be significant, guidelines will be developed to
give a scientific basis for limiting future pollution of aquifers from wastewater
recharge. These should be implemented in the local Groundwater Protection Policy.
APPROACH: The project is implemented in co-operation with the British
Geological Survey (BGS). The work is focusing on pollution of groundwater from
organics, a topic not covered by previous projects. The study area was chosen in
Wadi Dhuleil, where the wastewater effluents from As-Samra Wastewater
Stabilization Ponds is likely to infiltrate to the groundwater after being discharged
to the Wadi.
Sampling will take place in two phases. Phase (I) will be the initial sampling, which
will last the first year. Phase (II) will be the follow-up sampling at which will involve
further sampling to consolidate the conclusions from the first phase. A range of
boreholes and wells having different constructions and depths to the water table
will be sampled appropriately. Sites will cover a range of wastewater histories and
will include control sites away from the area of wastewater recharge. The raw
wastewater will also be sampled to provide a measure of the inputs. Samples of
water will be collected for a basic inorganic analysis (pH, dissolved oxygen, major
and minor elements) as well dissolved organic carbon. Trace organics will be
extracted on-site by solvent extraction and by separation.
The data are analyzed and interpreted in terms of the long-term threat to the
groundwater in the aquifers studied. Insofar as is possible, generalizations from
these results will be made to other areas of wastewater recharge. The detailed
findings will be related to the composition of the wastewaters discharged, the local
hydrogeology and the process attenuation taking place within the aquifer.
Recommendations will be made as to how to protect the aquifer from future
pollution. The significance of leakage from sewers and other wastewater conduits
will be assessed. If serious pollution is identified, then a set of guidelines will be
prepared outlining the nature of the pollution threats. The results will be published
in project reports, conference proceedings and in the scientific literature.
BEGINNING DATE: 1996
ENDING DATE: 1997
COMMENTS ON DATES: The project will have further extensions
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: The project is still in its early
stages. Preliminary surveys and investigations have been conducted, based on
which the study area was decided. Samples are being collected and analyzed, both
in Jordan and England for quality assurance purposes.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. B. Smith
ADDRESS: Mr. John Chilton
British Geological Survey (BGS)
Hydrogeology Group
Keyworth
Nottingham NG12 5GG
United Kingdom
TELEPHONE: (+) 441-15-936-3100
TELEFAX: (+) 441-15-936-3200
E-MAIL:
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: R. Gedeon (Dr.)
ADDRESS: Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ)
P.O. Box 2412
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 680100
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 679143
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Human Risk in Relation to Landfill Leachates Quality
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES:
1. To increase protection of groundwater resources and water quality.
2. To encourage healthy and improved practices in waste disposal.
APPROACH:
1. Waste stream characterization.
2. Collection and analysis of leachates and collection of existing data.
3. Compilation of leachate catalogue.
4. Compilation of geology and hydrogeology for case study sites.
5. Risk assessments.
6. Design workshops.
7. Monitor Project on a six monthly basis.
BEGINNING DATE: 1996
ENDING DATE:
COMMENTS ON DATES: A preliminary reconnaissance study is being
implemented during 1996/1997 to form the basis for the main project. Hence, the
ending date will be determined according to the duration to be estimated for the
main project.
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: The solid waste disposal sites for
this study were chosen to be at Russeifah (north-east of Amman) and Akeider
(north of Irbid). A historical data survey has been carried out and collection of
samples has been initiated. Samples are being analyzed both in Jordan and England
(British Geological Survey) for quality assurance purposes.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. B. A. Klinck
ADDRESS: British Geological Survey (BGS)
Fluid Processes Group
Keyworth
Nottingham NG12 5GG
United Kingdom
TELEPHONE: (+) 441-15-936-3100
TELEFAX: (+) 441-15-936-3200
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Water Management Information System (WMIS)
PROBLEM: Poor Water Management
OBJECTIVES: Improve water management in the Jordan Valley through a Water
Management Information System (WMIS)
APPROACH:
1. Computerize water distribution activities in the Jordan Valley.
2. Installation of a water management unit dealing with water resources and
distribution.
3. Operating the following software packages:
-- Daily water balance
-- Hydraulic model of King Abdullah Canal
-- Seasonal planning and forecasting
-- Long-term water balance
BEGINNING DATE: 1985
ENDING DATE: 1996
COMMENTS ON DATES:
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: Tender documents are being
prepared to replace the old computers and the closed operating system (AOS / VS)
by RISC machines with UNIX operating system.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. Yousef Hasan Ayadi
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2769
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 689400
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 689916
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Water Measurement Network Project
PROBLEM: Inaccurate Hydraulic Measurements
OBJECTIVES: Obtaining accurate measurements related to King Abdullah Canal
water levels, gates openings, inflows and outflows through the Water
Measurement Network Project.
APPROACH:
1. Installation of hydraulic measurement stations at 14 sites along King Abdullah
Canal.
2. Linking these stations with a communication cable to a control centre at Dirar in
the Jordan Valley.
3. Controlling four check gates from the centre in Dirar.
BEGINNING DATE: 19/10/1993 - 01/01/1995 (Phase I)
ENDING DATE:
COMMENTS ON DATES: Studies for phase II will start soon
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: The first phase is completed and
operational. Studies will start soon for the next phase which includes additional
measuring stations for all water resources in the Valley and Southern Ghors.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Mr. Yousef Hasan Ayadi
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2769
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 689400
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 689916
E-MAIL:
TITLE: Regional Water Data Banks (The European Union portion of the Project)
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES: The Multilateral Working Group on Water Resources (WWG), (one
of the five multilateral working groups of the Middle - East Peace Process) have
approved the draft Implementation Plan for the forty Recommendations put forward
by EU/US - led mission, with support from Canada and France, which took place in
September 1994. The WWG, approved the Implementation Plan in November 1994
to form regional water data banks for the Core Parties of the Peace Process
(Palestinians, Jordanian and Israelis). The general objective of the Implementation
Plan Project is to improve the availability of data for Palestinian, Jordanian, and
Israeli water managers, planners and operators by creating a hydrometric data base
facility.
This project is being executed under the auspices of the European Union aiming at
the execution of 14 of the 40 Recommendations in the Implementation Plan. The
specific objective of the project is to assist the three Core Parties to achieve
comparable levels of expertise in the planned activities to ensure that future
transfers of data between the Core Parties are done in a mutually accepted way.
APPROACH: The main project activities are:
* Updating hydrological publications including a hydrological bulletin
* Identifying and inputting historical data
* Network review/ evaluation
* Development of a Geographic reference system
* Development of standards for hydrological, hydrogeological,
hydrometeorological and water quality standards
The approach and methodology adopted for the execution of each of the involved
project components are decided upon by the relevant consultant executing it.
However, the general approach stated by the EU requires continuous co-operation
with relevant professionals of the Core Parties, submittal of technical, interim,
progress and final reports, as well as holding seminars where necessary.
BEGINNING DATE: 1996
ENDING DATE: 1997
COMMENTS ON DATES: The duration of the whole project is one year and it is
divided to two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed in August 1996,
and the second phase to begin in October 1996.
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS: The project activities are being
implemented simultaneously, and most activities are partially completed to this date.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME: Dr. Hazem Al-Nasser
ADDRESS: Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ)
P.O. Box 2412
Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 680100
TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 679143
E-MAIL: