Effect of Khirbet As-Samra treated effluent on the quality of irrigation water in the Central Jordan Valley

Khirbet As-Samra (KA) treated wastewater is being used in irrigation in the Central Jordan Valley. The treated water is collected in King Talal Dam (KTD) and then mixed with King Abdullah Canal (KAC) water, which is diverted from the Yarmouk River for further use in agriculture. The treated water has adversely affected the water quality of Yarmouk River. Comparison of the results of water quality tests with guidelines for water to be used for irrigation, salt tolerance of agricultural crops and the influence of water quality on the potential clogging of drip irrigation systems reveals that treated effluent from KA can be used for irrigation with restrictions. Moreover, concentrations of all trace elements were found to be low and within guidelines for irrigation water. Clogging of drip emitters is expected due to high calcium and magnesium contents, besides the high bacterial counts and nutrients that promote algal growth.