Springs Water Quality Assessment for Drinking Purposes: A Case Study of Bsaira, Jordan

Abstract

Water scarcity is one of the biggest challenges to Jordan. Jordan is considered one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of freshwater availability. The protection of freshwater springs from pollution is among the possible solutions that can help in mitigating the water scarcity problem. In this study, the quality and quantity of water flowing from three springs namely Um Sarab, Dana, and Gharandl within Bsaira area that is located in Tafilah governorate in Jordan were evaluated as potential drinking water sources. During the spring period (March to June 2021), several water samples from the springs were collected and tested for biological, physical, and chemical parameters. Spring water samples were tested for (Ni, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Zn, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+), pH, total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, total solids, total coliforms, and E-coli. Results indicated that all the physical and chemical parameters of water in the three springs are within the acceptable standard limits according to Jordanian standards for drinking water. However, the biological parameters (i.e. total coliforms and E-coli) exceeded the permissible limits, and this is more significant in Gharandl spring. The field investigation of the study area showed that the main sources of pollution are the presence of many septic tanks and agricultural activities in the surrounding areas of the springs. Therefore, applying Jordanian regulations for the protection of groundwater resources can significantly improve the quality of water in these springs. The total quantity of water from these springs exceeds 1300 m3/day which is considered a significant source of drinking water after local treatment and disinfection.