Planning Considerations of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Projects in Jordan

Abstract

This work discussed the conditions for the successful implementation of managed aquifer recharge, with various case studies in Jordan. The motivation behind this study was that many managed aquifer projects have been implemented in Jordan without adequate studies and they have since failed. Examples from Jordan were provided to serve as an illustration of Middle Eastern and North African countries, with their semi-arid to arid climates and increasing demand for water. The methodology included the evaluation of the implemented managed aquifer projects in Jordan and whether they achieved success or failure in fulfilling the purposes of aquifer recharging, as well as to clarify the reasons for the failure or success. The results showed that a minimum level of study must be carried out before starting any artificial recharge projects, such as defining the aquifer parameters and the water quality evolution after recharge, in addition to understanding of the fate of the recharged water. Managed aquifer recharge can alleviate the impacts of climate change by making use of unused water, and in the case of Jordan, it can alleviate the implications of dropping groundwater levels.