Water Sources and Quality along the Lower Jordan River, Regional Study

Abstract

The Lower Jordan River received in the past a large volume of freshwater from Lake Tiberias, the Yarmouk River, and local runoffs. Currently, a much smaller flow-rate of mostly poor-quality fluids enters the river. The severe reduction of inflow and the poor-quality flows have led directly to the degradation of the water quality along the river. According to the regional peace agreements, both sewage and saline waters will be treated and used. Carrying out these agreements will result in a dramatic reduction of input flow-rates into the river. Under these circumstances, the almost sole available source will be drainage and groundwater. The objective of this study is to evaluate the different components that presently control the quality of water in the Lower Jordan River. In particular, the study is looking for ways to assess the role played by the subsurface contributions. We present here preliminary results of an ongoing research, which involves researchers from Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. By means of water sampling, chemical analysis, isotope analysis, flow-rate measurements, and mass balance calculations, the study improves our understanding of the hydrology and hydrochemistry of the river system.