Jordan - Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)
Country / Region: Jordan / Western Asia
Focal point: Groundwater
Begin of project: July 21, 2011
End of project: March 15, 2013
Status of project: August 14, 2013
Small dam in Wadi Madoneh
Source: BGR
In almost all aquifers in Jordan, groundwater levels are falling due to over abstraction of groundwater. In parts, this also leads to a deterioration of groundwater quality. Exploiting mainly unutilised water resources like the sporadic runoff in ephemeral wadis (so called ‘flash floods’) for local groundwater recharge is therefore a worthwhile measure to increase groundwater resources.
In this bilateral project, the BGR supports the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) in their potential to successfully use managed aquifer recharge via infiltration of stormwater runoff. The year-long study is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the GeoSFF (Study and Expert Fund for geoscientific sector schemes) and focuses on the Amman-Zarqa and Azraq basins. Main tasks comprise the development of a map for MAR potential, the subsequent identification of suitable sites for pilot projects and the preparation of a guideline for the implementation and regulations of MAR in Jordan.
The support of the partner institution in the application of the MAR concept and its implementation in the context of the Jordanian national water strategy is of high relevance in the context of development aid policy. By focussing on small scale initiatives, the project provides locally suitable solutions for the improvement of the critical water situation in the semiarid regions including aspects of adaptation to climate change.
The project is implemented for a designated total period of 1 year (2011-2012).
Project-No.: 2002.3510.1-52
Project-ID: 1076
Project contributions:
- TC Jordan: Assessing the Potential for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)
- TZ Jordanien: Evaluierung des Potentials zur künstlichen Grundwasseranreicherung
Partner:
Jordan Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI)
