Influence of urbanization on water quality deterioration during drought periods at South Jordan

The study investigated the effect of urbanization, drought and pollution on the deterioration of water quality in the Tafila Basin in southern Jordan during the year 2000. Six representative springs were chosen, from which 84 water samples were analysed for their chemical and biological characteristics. In addition, 75 samples were analysed for their chemical characteristics during the period 1978–1999. The arid and semi-arid climatic characteristics, high population growth and the lack of sewer systems cause pollution. The infiltration of waste water from septic tanks into springs and ground-water resources is considered the most prominent cause. The primary evaluated parameters are EC, NO3, faecal coliform, total coliform and total count. Their concentration is accelerating, due to the increase of waste water in comparison to fresh water quantity. The fracture system associated with Upper Cretaceous carbonates allows the waste water to recharge the springs very quickly and without any purification. Connecting the scattered buildings with the Tafila Treatment Plant (TTP), built in 1988, will stop or decrease the pollution and allow the springs to refresh themselves. The TTP is under-loaded, and its effluent water can be used for irrigation.