Hydrochemical assessment of a deep Jordanian aquifer

This paper was mainly initiated to estimate some parameters of the quality and hydraulics of water in the vicinity of a proposed dam site in Jordan. The assessment of the chemical character was carried out to examine the suitability of the groundwater for domestic, municipal, industrial or irrigation use. Also, the anticipated problems associated with the quality of the reservoir water were delineated. Pumping tests were conducted at some wells that were drilled within the dam site zone and drawdown-time curves were constructed, by means of which the transmissivity adn storage coefficients were assessed using two different methods. Total dissolved solids and electrical conductance were also measured and relationship between them established. In addition, sodium ion concentrations at different piezometric tip elevations were measured in a number of wells that were previously drilled inside the dam site zone. This data indicates that the water quality as expressed in terms of total dissolved solids, electrical conductance, and sodium ion concentration limits do not comply with internationally recommended standards. The usage of this water for usual domestic purposes is therefore not viable, while the utilization of this water for irrigation purposes is very restricted.