IMPACT OF WALA DAM ON GROUNDWATER ENHANCEMENT OF WADI WALA CATCHMENT AREA IN JORDAN

摘要

The Wala dam was constructed during the years 1999 to 2003. This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of the Wala dam in enhancing the groundwater of the well-field by artificial recharge and assess its impact on the quality of groundwater resources located in the catchment area. In addition, the water balance was estimated in order to sustainably utilize these groundwater resources. The rate of evaporation ranges between 70.6% in the wet year and 95.9% in the dry water year while average annual recharge of the upper aquifer of Wadi Wala catchment (infiltration rate) ranges between 2.8% and 7.9% respectively for dry and wet water years. The overall evaluation indicated a general positive effect of Wala dam on groundwater augmentation after its construction. A moderate increase in the salinity of the groundwater was also found. Other chemical parameters were within the Jordanian Standards for drinking water.