The role of desalination in bridging the water gap in Jordan

Abstract

Over-abstraction of groundwater is one concern of the Badia Research and Development Programme. The upper aquifer of the Azraq basin forms the largest resource of good-quality water, but current abstraction exceeds both average recharge and the safe yield of the aquifer, which is over-exploited. Although there has been no deterioration in water quality and only minor drawdown, the springs at Azraq have dried up, with severe, undesirable environmental impacts. Total abstraction of 20 × 106 m3 yr−1 appears to be sustainable and would allow some springflow, but this leaves a shortfall of 40 × 106 m3 yr−1 for domestic supply and agriculture.