1) INNEHLLSFRTECKNING - Mark- och vattenteknik

ZARQA RIVER REHABILITATION ANDSUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENTISSA AL-WERExaminator & SupervisorAssociate Professor Jan-Erik GustafssonDepartment of Land and Water Resources EngineeringKTHStockholm, SwedenSupervisorTekn. Lic. Göran BaurneDepartment of Land and Water Resources EngineeringKTHStockholm, SwedenSTOCKHOLM 2009TRITA-LWR Degree ProjectISSN 1651-064XISRN LWR-EX-09-32

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWR© Issa Al-Wer 2009 (Al-Wer, 2009)Master’s thesisDepartment of Land and Water Resources EngineeringRoyal Institute of Technology (KTH)SE-100 44 STOCKHOLM, SwedenReference should be written as: Al-Wer, I (2009) “The Zarqa River Rehabilitation and SustainableManagement”II

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementSUMMARYZarqas avrinningsområde är den mest folktäta avrinningsområde i Jordanienoch där det mesta industrier befinner sig i dag . Floden består av tvåhuvudströmmar, Seil al Zarqa och Wadi Duleil. Seil al Zarqa börjar frånAmman centrum och passerar städerna Zarqa och Russayfa . Medanswadhi duleil börjar från den östra delen av öknen och strömmar ända tillKhibret As Samra avloppsreningsverket, vars spillvatten utgör det mestaav flodens flöde . Flodens vatten strömmar in till King Talal Dam, därden blandar sig med vatten från Yarmouk-floden för det används tilljordbruks bevattning i Jordan Valley.Zarqa floden är den tredje största flod i Jordanien, men kvalitén av denhar degraderats och med flödets minskning har det påverkat ekosystemet.Källorna och orsakerna till nedbrytningen består av otillbörligtkommunalt avloppsvatten i floden, olämplig industriell avloppsrening,olagliga fasta avfall, och sänkning av grundvattennivån. Dessutom denförändrade markanvändning under dem senaste sextio åren har förhindratstora mängder vatten från att rinna ut I floden.Många av de naturvattenkällor som brukade vara en källa till färskvatteninflödethar torkat ut på grund av över uttag av grundvatten. Bristen påsötvattensinflöde ersätts med avloppsvatten som stabiliserar flodens flöde,men som försämrar vattnets kvalitet. För närvarande finns det tre avloppsreningsverk,som avyttrar sitt behandlade avloppsvatten till floden,och Khirbet As Samra utgör ensamt mer än 90 % av flödet.Påverkan av föroreningar kan förväntas försvinna inom en tioårsperiod,men förlusten av biologisk mångfald och effekter på människors hälsakommer att kvarstå under en lång tid framöver. För närvarande är flodeninte lämplig för en annan användning än bevattning. Det har förekommitdödfall när det gäller djur som har druckit från det.Under 2007 inledde miljöministeriet Zarqa-floden rehabiliteringsprogramoch kommer att genomföra återvinningsåtgärder för minst ettdecennium. Enligt den officiella planen, skall fem pilotprojekt genomförasför var sin del av floden. Miljöministeriet har fått fullmakt för återvinningsprojektetoch ansvarar för den samlade planeringen och samarbetetmed andra myndigheter.I detta examensarbete har studeras den officiella rehabiliteringsplan somutgör grunden för att återföra Zarqua-floden till ett uthålligt vattendrag.Ytterligare insatser nämns på andra förslag som rekommenderas av konsulteroch andra icke-statliga organisationer.III

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRIV

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementACKNOWLEDGMENTThis thesis is dedicated to OPEN MINDS academy, founded by CarpeVitam. The chairman of Carpe Vitam, Mr. Peder Wallenberg has shown explicitinterest in enhancing the Zarqa River to represent the involvementof OPEN MINDS academy with the environment through the outstandingknowledge the academy will be providing in sustainable developmentand state-of-the-art environmental involvement and teaching.I would like to thank Mrs. Sawsan Al-Naber, Dr. Maysa Shammout, and Dr.Mohammad Shatanawi for providing me very helpful materials and explainingme the cumulative impacts, reasoning, geology of the river, and mostimportantly showing the support I needed by follow-up emails and constantupdating.Biggest gratitude goes to my parents for supporting me financially andpsychologically. The outcome of this thesis would have been really differentwithout the help of my uncles; Thabet Al-Wer and Basil Al-Wer forhelping me in gathering data and opening doors at different entitieswhich was not possible without their help. I am really grateful to myaunt, Dr. Enam AlWer who helped a lot in guiding me how to write aproper scientific report.I would also like to thank my supervisors; Associate ProfessorJan-Erik Gustafsson and Tekn. Lic. Göran Baurne for their outstanding helpand guidance in writing and their support. Finally, lots of gratitudes tothe Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) for providing excellence in education,who also gave me-and my colleagues- a great opportunity to concludethis master’s program all free of charge in addition to access toeminent facilities during these two years.V

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRVI

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementTABLE OF CONTENTSSummary ....................................................................................................................................IIIAcknowledgment.........................................................................................................................VTable of Contents .....................................................................................................................VIIAbbreviations ............................................................................................................................. IXAbstract ........................................................................................................................................ 1Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1Jordan’s water situation.......................................................................................................... 2Groundwater ........................................................................................................................... 2Water supply and demand ..................................................................................................... 2National Water Resources ..................................................................................................... 3Supply vs. Demand................................................................................................................. 3Aim ............................................................................................................................................... 4Objectives..................................................................................................................................... 4Methodology ................................................................................................................................5Limitations................................................................................................................................... 6Description of the Zarqa River basin ......................................................................................... 7Introduction:........................................................................................................................... 7Components of the Zarqa River baseflow ............................................................................ 9Problems associated with Zarqa River.................................................................................. 9Causes of degradation of the Zarqa River .......................................................................... 10Current planning problems....................................................................................................... 11Water demand issues............................................................................................................ 11Water supply issues .............................................................................................................. 11Water quality issues.............................................................................................................. 11Water management issues ................................................................................................... 12Solid waste issues ................................................................................................................. 12Degradation Sources of water quality: ..................................................................................... 13Impacts of the pollution:........................................................................................................... 15Water Quality Monitoring......................................................................................................... 17Wastewater treatment plants in the basin................................................................................ 18Khirbet As Samra WWTP..................................................................................................... 19Jerash wastewater treatment plant ...................................................................................... 20Abu Nuseir treatment plant,................................................................................................ 20Baq’a treatment plant........................................................................................................... 21Al-Mirad treatment plant ..................................................................................................... 21Projected influent amounts for 2025.................................................................................... 21Sludge handling ......................................................................................................................... 22Sludge management drawbacks.......................................................................................... 23Industrial activities in the basin ............................................................................................... 23Rehabilitation of the Zarqa River............................................................................................. 27Role of primary stakeholders .................................................................................................... 28River Segmentation ................................................................................................................... 29Future trends in the basin......................................................................................................... 41Climate change..................................................................................................................... 41Future projects in the Zarqa River basin ............................................................................ 42VII

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRDiscussion.................................................................................................................................. 44SWOT analysis of the Zarqa River Rehabilitation program.............................................. 44Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 46Main reclamation focuses and suggested interventions.................................................... 46Final remarks ........................................................................................................................ 51References.................................................................................................................................. 52Other references:........................................................................................................................ 54Appendices................................................................................................................................. 55Appendix A ........................................................................................................................... 56Appendix B ........................................................................................................................... 57Appendix C ........................................................................................................................... 58Appendix D........................................................................................................................... 59Appendix E ........................................................................................................................... 60Appendix F............................................................................................................................ 61Appendix G ........................................................................................................................... 64Appendix H........................................................................................................................... 66Appendix I ............................................................................................................................ 69VIII

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementABBREVIATIONSCBOCODECIRBMIUCNIWRMKSWTPKTDmaslmbslMCMmg/lm 3 /dayMOEMWINGONTURSSZRRµS/cmCommunity Based OrganizationChemical Oxygen DemandElectrical ConductivityIntegrated River Basin ManagementInternational Union for Conservation of NatureIntegrated Water Resource ManagementKhirbet As Samra Wastewater Treatment PlantKing Talal dammeters Above sea levelmeters Below sea LevelMillion Cubic Metermilligram per literCubic Meters per DayMinistry of EnvironmentMinistry of Water & IrrigationNon Governmental OrganizationsNephelometric Turbidity UnitsRoyal Scientific SocietyZarqa River Rehabilitation ProjectMicro Siemens per CentimeterIX

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementABSTRACTThe Zarqa River basin is most populated basin in Jordan. The basinhosts 65% of Jordan’s population and 85% of its industries (B&E, 2008& Al-Afayfeh, 2006). The high populated cities of Amman, Zarqa, andRussayfa incorporated with industrial activities exerted pressure on naturalresources and escalated environmental degradation on the Zarqa Riverthat passes through these cities. Jordan is a dry country, groundwateris the primary source of water since the country lacks surface watersources. The over abstraction of groundwater has led to drying out ofnatural springs and elevated salinity levels (GTZ, 2004 & MWI 2001).The lack of freshwater sources flowing in the river coincided with massiveinflow of discharged treated wastewater has led to substantial decreasein water quality and decrease of bio diversity. The river is a victimof Jordan’s prosperity and immediate action has been recognized for rehabilitatingthe river and reviving its ecosystems. The official rehabilitationplan started in 2007 for a period of 10 years. Future water supplyprojects, most importantly Red-Dead-Canal and Disi conveyor will havepositive impacts of relieving groundwater abstraction thus revivingsprings that will lead to enhanced quality of the river, but the impacts ofclimate change anticipates a horrifying scenario.Keywords: Zarqa River, Amman-Zarqa basin, Seil Zarqa, ZarqaRiver RehabilitationINTRODUCTIONJordan nowadays is a kingdom at peace moving confidently into the futurewith insufficient water resources. Annual per capita water availabilitydeclined from 3600m 3 /yr in the year 1946 to 145 m 3 per year in the year2009 due to decline of water resources and high population growth rates(MWI, 2009). Currently, Jordan is one of the 10 poorest countries in theworld regarding water availability (FAO, 2003; MWI 2009). Populationgrowth and water quality degradation are aggravating the situation.The dominant climate is Mediterranean style, hot-dry summers and mildrainywinters. The Jordan Valley is classified as Sub-Humid where highertemperatures occur in the winter, while the desert is cold and dry in thewinter. The average temperature in the winter is 13°C, while in thesummer the average temperature is 32° C (CIA, 2009). Annual rainfallranges from 50mm in the south eastern desert to about 650 mm per yearin the north western highlands (FAO, 2009).The population of Jordan is 6.3 million living on area of 92,300 km 2(CIA, 2009). The total cultivated land is 5% of the area, while water areais only 0.4% of the total area.Due to the water scarcity, non-conventional water resources are widelyused. Currently 10% of the water sources come from non-conventionalsources (treated wastewater & desalinized water) and is expected to growdramatically in the next decade to tighten the gap between supply anddemand. This gap will be filled through increased use on non conventionalwater resources like desalinated water, including as part of the RedSea-Dead Sea Canal, wastewater reuse, and a 320 km long conveyorfrom the non-renewable Disi aquifer to the capital- Amman.More than 91% of Jordan receives less than 200mm of rain per year limitingthe arable land to 10% of the total area (FAO, 2008). The rainfalldistribution is illustrated in Table 1. The rainy season is from Novemberto April (FAO, 2009) and most of the rain is lost through evaporation.1

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRThe main water sources are recharged from precipitation. The total precipitationfor 2007 was 8,500 MCM, 93.2% of this precipitation is lostmainly through evaporation (MWI, 2007). The part that can be collectedi.e. runoff is 2.68% which is equivalent to 228 MCM. The rest of theprecipitation, which counts to 4.07% of the total rainfall received, rechargesground water aquifers. The total amount of recharge from rain is346 MCM, which is less than a tenth of the total extraction.Table 1 Rainfall distribution of Jordan. Source (MWI, 2007)ZoneAnnual Rainfall(mm/year)Catchment Area(Km 2 )Semi-humid 500600 620 0.84%Semi-arid 300500 2,950 22.7%Marginal 200300 2,030 1.06%Arid 100200 20,050 6%Desert

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementFigure 1 groundwater extraction per basin. Source(MWI, 2007)Jordan’s water influx is gathered from conventional and non conventionalsources. Due to water scarcity compared with high demands, nonconventionalwater sources became a resource. Currently treated wastewateris predominantly used in agriculture while desalinated water is usedmunicipal supply. There is a potential set by the Ministry of Water & Irrigationto boost Jordan’s desalinization facilities for municipal supplyand drinking purposes. Table 3 shows the sources of water in Jordan for2007.Table 2National water use per sector. Source (MWI, 2007)SectorGroundwater use(MCM)Surface WaterUse (MCM)Total (MCM)Agricultural 244.8 176.4 421.2Municipal 214 79.75 293.75Industrial 44.9 3.5 48.4Rural areas 0.75 n/a 0.75TOTAL: 764 504,35 259.65 764**The total is missing 94 MCM of treated wastewater that is used for irrigation.National Water ResourcesThe national water sources are gathered from conventional and noncongenitalwater resources. The non conventional water resources aretreated domestic wastewater and desalinized water. Table 3 shows the totalwater influx of Jordan.Supply vs. DemandThere is a 638 MCM deficit from the 2007 budget (MWI, 2009). Thecurrent budget should be similar and the gap between supply and demandwill remain enormous until some major water supply projects arefinalized that are discussed in the Future Trends chapter. The projectedwater budget for 2022 will only show a 3 MCM deficit(MWI, 2009). Thisestimation was made taking into account 500 MCM accounted for insupply that is allocated from a new desalinized sea water that will be usedfor the supply of Amman and other major cities from the RedSea-DeadSea Canal project. In addition to 100 MCM that will be supplied3

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRfrom Disi aquifer which should be operational in 2013 in addition topredicted new supplies (MWI, 2009).Table 3 National water inputs for the year 2007. Source (MWI,2009)Source Ratio Amount(MCM)Domestic surfacewaterGroundwater safeyield extractionDescription34% 295 Partial treatment of surface water formunicipal use. While most of it is utilizedin agriculture. Including wastewatertreatment plants effluents dischargedinto valleys.32% 275 Also referred to as Sustainable extractionrate.Fossil water 11% 91 Exploited from Disi, Hisban, Jafr, andLajjoun aquifers.Treated wastewaterfor irrgation10% 87 Treated wastewater that is used forirrigation purposes.Artificial recharge 6% 55 Additional yield from collected rainwaterthat recharges some aquifers.Peace treaty(surface water)Desalinization(ground and surfacebrackish water)Treated wastewaterby IndustriesTOTAL 867 MCM6% 50 Water diverted from the Sea of Galili(aka Lake Tiberias) to Jordan aftersigning the Jordanian-Israeli peacetreaty in 1994.1% 10 Desalinated brackish water in Zara-Mainthat is used for domestic purposes.

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementMETHODOLOGYThe complexity of the problem and discussion with my supervisorsbrought me to a conclusion that this river needs a holistic approach,which was necessary to narrow down the study in addressing more immediateproblems. Analyzing different approaches in studies made bydifferent organizations helped in formulating aims and objectives for thisresearch. The importance of research to identify stakeholders and reasonsof degradation is due to its sensitive position in Jordan.Data collection: Data was collected from many sources regarding projects,description, and analysis in the basin. Additional reports were publishedon the internet. Most important data was collected from the Ministryof Environment, University of Jordan, and Ministry of Water &Irrigation. The data collected varies in objectives or content, but most ofthe papers used were Research papers, project reports, EIAs, Masterplans of MOE & MWI, and others. Other sources of vital data wereprovided from NGOs, who are directly involved on projects on the river,most importantly IUCN and JICA.GIS data was provided from the University of Jordan. The layers acquiredwere of: land use (2002), basin location, contours, wells, surfacewater bodies, administrative boundaries, cities, towns and villages, mainroads, streams, soils, rainfall and metrological stations, runoff gauges,wastewater treatment plants, and others.The Royal Scientific Society provided me data with four monitoring stationsalong the river. The data was the hourly monitoring values ofChemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous,Turbidity, Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, and Temperature for August2008, September 2008, February 2009, and March 2009. Other dataregarding quality was also available from other reports including moreelement analysis.Literature review built up strong bases for understanding the problemsand solutions, followed by hydrological analysis, GIS analysis, morphologicalanalysis, and quality analysis.I also conducted a 2-day river tour to identify the pollution problems andcauses. I took that opportunity to take pictures of relevant elements ofthis thesis work. Additionally I had opportunity to conduct some interviewsthat explained the situation and provided me with most relevantdata.• Local Hydrologist- Mr. Mutasem Haddadin• MOE Zarqa River Rehabilitation team leader- Mr. Batir Wardam.• IUCN Zarqa River Rehabilitation project coordinator- Mr. MuflehAlAbbadi.Based on the analyzed data this thesis was approached on three phases• Phase 1: understand causes of degradation. More information was requiredto identify pollution sources and stakeholders involved in ZarqaRiver Rehabilitation. This required background knowledge, field visits,and literature review. GIS analysis, mainly overlaying of different mapsto serve our interests using GIS-Arc6,5.• Phase 2: found 3 types of solutions and integrated them to a comprehensivesolution (Restoration and IRBM).5

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRLIMITATIONSMOE rehabilitation plan: covered technical solutions and governmentalresponsibilities. Main focus: Integrated Water Resource Management .IUCN intervention plan: focuses on public participation and setting sustainableproject financing. It also focused more on Integrated EcosystemManagement.Idec (consultant): approved by the ministry, covered detailed rehabilitationand building capacities for the 10 year project.• Phase 3: intervention and recommendations.Due to the lack of resources on the internet, a trip to Jordan for data collectionwas essential. The data acquired was excellent regarding the scopeof the study, but more information would have been helpful that Icouldn’t acquire especially from the major stakeholders, most importantly,Ministry of Environment and International Union for Conservationof Nature.The masterplan of MOE was not available or their own vision to the river.Another obstacle was GIS data. Fortunately I was able to get layersfrom University of Jordan, but layers regarding polluters, vulnerablesites, polluter’s profiles were available at MOE, but were out of reach tome.It was too late to get data about a monitoring station located at King TalalDam outlet (M-11). It would’ve been interesting to see the pollutantsconcentrations before the water is utilized, but unfortunately the data setwas not available.Some data acquired for Khirbet As Samra effluents had detailed analysis,but the there was no new data regarding those elements after the 2008upgrade of the plant, which made it irrelevant for comparison of pollutantsor to establish a baseline scenario.6

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementDESCRIPTION OF THE ZARQA RIVER BASINFigure 2 Location of the basin. Source (Al-Wer, 2009)Introduction:The Zarqa River consists of two main branches; the first stream (Sail Al-Zarqa) starts in Amman city centre at Ras Al-Ain, while the other stream(wadi Duleil) starts from the south of the Arab Republic of Syria. Thetwo streams meet at Sukhnah village. From there (the meeting point) itflows for more than 40km reaching King Talal Dam. The river passesthrough four governorates; Amman, Zarqa, Jerash, and Mafraq. Thenumber of municipalities in those governorates is 8, 7, 18, and 5, respectively(MOE, 2008).The area of the basin is 4120 km 2 . It is located in the north-western partof the kingdom, as illustrated in Figure 2. The Basin, also described as thebackbone of Jordan’s economy (MOE, 2008) hosts 65% of the country’s totalpopulation and 85% of its industries (B&E Engineers, 2008; Al-Afayfehet al., 2006). Figure 3 shows main cities in the basin and their populationdensities.Figure 3 Cities and villages in the basin. Source (Al-Wer, 2009)7

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRFigure 4 Rainfall distribution in the basin. Source (ElNaqa & Hammouri,2008)The average annual stream flow is 67 MCM. The flow of the river variesseasonally; in the winter, the average base flow ranges from 5 MCM tomore than 8 MCM per month (MOE, 2008). While in the summer theflow is between 2 MCM to 3 MCM per month. Elevation varies from1450 masl in the North-eastern highlands in the Syrian part of the basinto -300 mbsl at Der Alla town downstream of KTD, while dam lies ataround 100 masl (JICA, 1995).The average annual rainfall at the basin is 300 mm; rainfall increases towardsthe west to about 500 mm/yr compared to the east which receivesless than 100 mm/year. An illustrative diagram is presented in Figure 4.The basin is a transitional area between semi arid highlands (west) andthe arid desert (east).Figure 5 Land use for the basin. Source (Al-Wer, 2009)8

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementDuring the last few decades, the basin went through considerable landuse changes. The expansion of Amman and other towns has been enormous.This expansion caused the loss of large grazing areas and fertileagricultural land between Amman and other towns. It has transformedinto one large urban conglomerate. . Natural forests are present mainly inJerash; they are composed of oak, pine, juniper, wild olive and cypress(Al-Afayfeh et al., 2006). Agricultural activities have supplanted the indigenousflora communities. Agriculture in the basin is diverse; cropsrange from rain fed orchards, olive and field crops to irrigated agriculture.Figure 5 shows the current land use in the basin.The main irrigation source for agriculture is ground water. The main industrialactivities in the basin are: al-Hussein thermal power plant, the oilrefinery, textile industries, paper processing, leather production, food industries,distilleries, drugs and chemical industries, intermediate petrochemicals,engineering industries, paper and carton products, and miningindustries, mainly phosphate (Al-Afayfeh et al., 2006; B&E, 2008).Components of the Zarqa River baseflowThe unsustainable abstraction of groundwater for municipal and agriculturalhas uses led to the drying out of natural springs which constituted amain input to the river. The total discharge from springs to the riverprior to over abstraction of groundwater was estimated to be 5000m3/hr, but most of them dried out (MOE 2009). This coincided with effluentdischarges into the river from three wastewater treatment stations.The shift in quality along with a decrease in storm water inflow (a resultof the drastic urbanization of the Amman-Zarqa region) caused deteriorationin the river and its ecosystems.There are three wastewater treatment plants that are discharging their effluentsin the river. These are Khirbet As Samra, Jerash and Almirad; thequantities are 200,000 m 3 /day, 3500 m 3 /day, and 10,000 m 3 /day, respectively.Other sources of inflow to the river are: runoff water and springdischarges. In the summer, low flow and bad quality is more noticeablesince high concentrations (almost all of the flow) come from wastewatertreatment plant discharges.The outflow of the river is stored in King Talal Dam. The water is settledand mixed with collected storm water; later; the water is channeledto the Jordan Valley via King Abdulla Canal where it is mixed with waterfrom Yarmouk River to be used for irrigating the Jordan Valley. Initially,King Talal Dam was supposed to supply Amman with water (Barhan etal, 2009) but due to bad quality, the water is only used for irrigating somecrops in the basin and the Jordan Valley.Problems associated with Zarqa RiverThe river witnessed the development and growth of Jordan throughouthistory, nowadays, the basin is referred to as the economic heartland ofJordan. In the absence of proper environmental legislations and control,this growth, affected the river and its aquatic life negatively. In 2007 theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in partnershipwith the Ministry of Environment initiated an integrated plan for the rehabilitationof the Zarqa River. The current main issues are summarizedas:1. Death of aquatic life.2. Decrease of flow.3. Deterioration of ground water quality within the basin.4. Flooding of homes adjacent to the river, especially Bedouins residingin tents.9

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWR5. Flooding of sewer networks in the river due to their passingthrough the river's course.6. Inconsistency of flow.7. Inconsistency of width.8. Limited development of the area due to unpleasant odors, scenery,or health issues.9. Lowering of land productivity due to toxic pollutants in the river.10. Pollution of drinking water sources close to the river course.11. sources of pollution that resulted from the uncontrolled and unplannedactivities alongside the river such as solid waste disposal.12. Spread of contagious diseases from polluted swamps which aresources of odors, diseases and disease transmitting vectors affectinghuman health.Causes of degradation of the Zarqa RiverThe sources of pollution will be discussed more thoroughly later in thisthesis, but they are summarized as:1. Bad quality effluents from several waste water treatment plant,most significantly:a. effluents of Khirbet As-Samra Treatment Plant : the plantis working 250% of its full capacity with a retention timeof 40 hours instead of 42 days in addition to accepting industrialwastewater which the mechanism is inappropriatefor dealing with.(AEW2006, IdRC 2006).b. Occasional malfunctions.2. Decrease in freshwater inflow.3. Disposal of reverse osmosis reject in the river.4. Flushing of accumulated ashes from the oil refinery and thermalpower production facility when precipitation is higher than infiltration.5. Improper treatment/disposal of industrial waste water of Zarqafactories; the industries cover all sectors "food sector, chemical,construction, textiles, leather, pulp and paper, medical sectorand the main oil refinery" (MWI, 2006).6. Leachate from Rusayfa landfill (Hamdi & Mrayyan, 2006; Asfari,2008): the landfill is used for municipal solid waste, Industrialwaste and sludge that are leaching to the ground & surface water.7. Pesticides used in agriculture or sprayed by other municipalitiesalong the river to diminish disease vectors which is believed tobe the biggest cause of the death of aquatic life (Alawi & Haddadin2004).8. Solid waste disposal of factories, workshops, excess building material,car wash lots, tires & tire maintenance shops, municipalsolid waste.9. Waste water discharged into the river by:a. Illegal expansion of sewage & storm water collection networks.b. Flooding of septic tanks disposal site at Ain Ghazal.10

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementCURRENT PLANNING PROBLEMSc. Flooding of sewage networks.d. Flow of the Amman Slaughter house effluent directly intothe river.The major issues of the river are derived from water scarcity, ground waterexploitation, low & fluctuating rainfall, and water quality deterioration(Al-Afayfeh et al., 2006). The presented issues below are divided to demand,supply, quality, and resource management.Water demand issuesThese factors increase the competitiveness between users within agricultural,industrial or domestic sectors.• About 60% of the kingdom’s industries are located in the basin(Al-Afayfeh, 2006).• Around 70% of the irrigation systems are drip irrigation whichsaves water significantly (MWI 2009) but the demand for the agriculturalsection is still too big.• Demand is higher than supply. Supply to demand ratio is 80% (Al-Afayfeh, 2006). This is also incorporated with high growth rates,urbanization and growing industrial and agricultural activities.• The pattern of flood has changed due to land use changes; urbanization,deforestation, land fragmentation and over grazing.Water supply issuesSupply is limited and the inflow sources are known.• Climate change has affected the annual precipitation by 10% overthe last 80 years (Al-Afayfeh et al., 2006).• Drop in base flow.• Over abstraction of ground water (estimated between 130-160MCM) exceeding their sustainable yield of 88 MCM that led tothe drying out of springs and thus less fresh water flowing intothe river.• Supply is affected by precipitation, where rainfall varies periodicallyby almost 50% (Al-Afayfeh et al., 2006).Water quality issues• Ground water quality deterioration from improper effluent dischargesinto the river.• Increased salinity levels in groundwater aquifers due to the overabstractionof ground water.• Khirbet As Samra treatment plant effluent has stabilized the flow,but deteriorated the quality of the water significantly.• Pollution of the river from solid wastes, domestic & industrial effluents.• Sediment load increase from deforestation, construction activitiesand agricultural practices.11

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRWater management issues“The challenge of managing Jordan’s water is not only in finding newwater sources, but also in better managing available water resources.Typical water related problems in Jordan include the inefficient and ineffectivemanagement of national water resources; subsidized water to enduser; poor aquifer and surface water quality; inefficient irrigation networks;inefficient use of irrigation water” (MWI, 2009).Governmental institutions run management schemes for water. Responsiblebody change according to use and location, but general administrativeproblems are summarized as the following:• Different institutions that represent many stakeholders have conflictof interests and responsibilities according to their priorities.• Increasing competition between different users and sectors.• Insufficient enforcement of laws and regulations regarding improperdisposal of untreated wastewater and solid waste.• Low investment in wastewater treatment, limiting financial resourcesand capabilities for planning reclamation projects.• Minor involvement of the private sector.• No single authority has been appointed formally to declare responsibilityand cooperation between different stakeholders.Many responsibilities are lost especially between the Ministry ofEnvironment, Ministry of Water and Irrigation or Ministry ofAgriculture.• Public awareness schemes have been conducted solely by the governmentto a limited level with a minor correlation government,NGOs, and the private sector.Solid waste issuesThe following areas have been identified as risk areas of solid waste disposal.Monitoring and infrastructure manipulation might be essential forlimiting people from dumping wastes. Wastes are either dumped directlyto the river or in wadis/hillsides that is flushed to the river during stormevents. In many occasions, the waste amount could be small but hazardous.In the case of sewage overflows, the sewage pipes flood, causingraw sewage flowing in the river. The following sites are accessible to bigtrucks, where waste accumulation is obvious:• Amman Zarqa Bridge to Zawahreh Bridge and West Zarqa PumpStation. Major polluters are small industries and some periodicalsewer overflows. The solid waste handling in these small industriesis classified as less than adequate, violators are usually fined,but there is no systematic monitoring scheme.• Russaifa stretchLocation of many industries, much of the dust and pollutants iseroded by air or rain. Less than adequate solid waste handlingwhere waste from industries and quarries is dumped into theriver.• Segment 4: long stretch of the stream with many access pointsalongside the river. Many small and medium industries are presentin close areas that are convenient for illegal dumping.12

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management• West Zarqa Wastewater Pump Station. Concentrated presence ofsmall industries, in addition to being an access point for solidwaste dumping.DEGRADATION SOURCES OF WATER QUALITY:The degradation of the Zarqa river has in turn led to the loss of habitats,destruction of aquatic life and wild ecosystems, decline in soil productivity,pollution of groundwater resources, and unpleasant nuisances such asodors, insects…etc. The main reason of degradation is generated fromthe decreased discharge of fresh water into the river that kept concentrationof pollutants high. The water shortage was substituted by inadequatelytreated and accidental flows of untreated wastewater. When thebiggest plant-Khirbet As Samra- overloads, raw sewage was pumped intothe river, in addition to sewerage networks over flow seepage from theimproper extensions of the networks.The effluent of Khirbet As Samra treatment plant forms the majority ofthe flow in the river. For decades, and with minor dilutions, this effluentwas of bad quality which has led to the deterioration of the environment.Other factors also affected the base flow quality, dumping of solidwastes, industrial wastewater, agricultural byproducts, and flooding ofsewerage lines incorporated with groundwater over pumping and utilizationof natural springs for domestic, industrial or agricultural purposes.The impact of Khirbet As Samra’s effluent is reflected by its magnitude.From 1985 till 2008 the plant functioned only as stabilization ponds. Thecapacity of the plant was 68,000 m 3 with a recession time of 42 days(MOE, 2008 and IdRC, 2006 In the last decade, at least, due to thegrowth of Amman, Zarqa, and Russayfa the plant was getting an averageof 222,000 m3 daily while the recession time didn’t exceed 40 hours. Inmany cases the inflow was diverted to the river without any type oftreatment. Another important aspect is that stabilization ponds are appropriateonly for treating inflows of high organic compounds. KhirbetAs Samra is receiving industrial wastewater without pre-treatment. Sincethe plant used to run of stabilization ponds, the concentration of toxicelements increased because of evaporation. Then the outflow water isdischarged into the river (MOE, 2008; IdRC, 2006). By the end of 2008the plant was expanded and applies mechanical and chemical treatments.The capacity of the new station is 268,000 m3. The station is currentlytreating 200,000. The effluents get 98% treatment efficiency and the effluentcontains 1 mg/l remaining chlorine in it.The sources of pollution of the Zarqa River are:1. Wastewater is discharged into the riverThe wastewater is discharged into the river when Khirbet As Samra isnot able to store the sewage inflow. This occurs quite often, when thestation couldn’t deal with large amounts of inflow, it was diverted to theriver.Also discharge of raw sewage occurs from flooding of sewerage pipesmain sewage piped flows adjacent to the river. Those pipes convey sewageand are flooding due to overflows or storm water intrusion. Anothersource of sewage is from seepage from sewerage networks, either frommalfunctions of the networks or improper extensions. This is a majorproblem for the river when it passes densely populated areas such asAmman, Zarqa and Russayfa. Amman slaughter house releases constantamounts of wastewater into the river and sewerage; the effluent quality is13

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRvery unpleasant; it is smelly and it is certainly unacceptable to be disposedin such a way.Other occasional sources of sewage would be from the Ain Ghazalpumping station, where septic tanks unload the sewage to be conveyedto Khirbet As Samra with occasional spills into the river course. Anotherreason that has to be investigated properly is seepage from undergroundseptic systems, which might reach the river especially in rural area orsmall villages that do not have sewerage networks.2. Solid waste disposalSolid waste is either dumped into the river or in adjacent wadis. Thewaste dumped in wadis reaches the river eventually with runoff water untilit ends up in King Talal Dam. The waste is either from people, industriesor workshops. Medium-sized and large industries have to complywith disposal standards while it is harder to track small industries, especiallythe ones that are located on the river banks. These places are brickmanufacturing facilities, marble cutting workshops, oil change shops, carwashing stations, animal farms, and quarries. Oil change shops and carwashing facilities would produce more liquid waste than inert wastecompared to tires, bricks, or marble. Construction waste is visible inmore than one area, but the Russayfa segment is noted to have excessiveamounts of it.3. Industrial wastewaterFor many decades industries used to either illegally dump their generatedwastewater into the river by tankers or flush it down the sewerage network.Since 2007, all industries must comply with the Jordanian standard(JSS 2007/202) before disposing to municipal sewer. The damage causedby industrial wastewater and pharmaceutical wastes was enormous andstill violations in standards and disposal are being cited. Most of the majorindustries are located either in Amman or Zarqa, and their wastewateris transported to Khirbet As Samra to be treated. The treatment inKhirbet As Samra is inadequate for these types; they have more cumulativeeffects on the river by overloading the plant, failure to comply withstandards and exacerbated harmful effects in the old plant (the concentrationof the elements is exacerbated because of inefficient removal bystabilization ponds incorporated with high evaporation rates).Some of the factories undergo onsite treatment, and then their effluent isused for onsite agriculture. Neither the level of treatment nor the numberof all the industries is known.4. Bad effluent quality from wastewater treatment plantsThere are three wastewater treatment plants that discharge their effluentsto the river. As mentioned earlier Khirbet As Samra has the biggest influencebecause of large quantities and inadequate quality of effluents.The treatment processes are inadequate to non municipal wastewater orin many cases the treatment was inefficient. We have to take into considerationthe fact that even if the effluent quality meets the standards, theeffluents are not diluted with fresh water. The vast majority of the river’sflow is from wastewater, and therefore minor changes will be reflected inthe quality of the river.5. Airborne pollutionFlushing of accumulated ashes, most importantly, the oil refinery andthermal power production plant by runoff water. The exhaust gases ofindustries remain in the air. Some of the ashes settle on the ground,where they get flushed into the river with runoff water.14

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management6. Agricultural runoffPesticides used in agriculture or sprayed by municipalities along the riverto diminish disease vectors are believed to be the biggest cause for thedeath of aquatic life (Alawi & Haddadin, 2003). Fertilizers leached arecausing occasional algal blooms and deteriorating the river’s oxygen content(IdRC, 2006). The highest concentrations flowing to the river arespanned over segment 3 subsection2 where extensive and commercialagriculture is present.7. Elevated pollution concentrations due to the decrease in fresh water inflowBefore groundwater exploitation, the amount of water discharged fromsprings into the river was 5000 m3/day (MWI, 2009). Currently, thenumber is negligible. The over exploitation of groundwater has led to thesalinization of groundwater aquifers and/or the drying up of springs.Some of the springs are still functioning, but because of the river’s pollution,groundwater deterioration, as well as digging expenses, and thegrowth of villages, the residents are diverting these springs for their useinstead of discharging into the river. This caused the river to be dominatedby treated wastewater which has contributed to the negative impacton the environment. Much of the wells are pumped to supply cities;the unfair allocation of water forms a big part of the current problem.The sealing of the river by concrete caused from urbanization also decreasedfreshwater flow to the river. The over extraction of groundwaterhas also led to the decrease of water table level causing most of thesprings in the basin to dry out (Al-Afayfeh et al., 2006 & MWI, 2001).8. Disposal of brine from desalinization plantsThe total number of desalinization plants in the basin is unknown, buttwo plants are identified. The first one is in Mashtal Faisal and the otherone is Ras Al-Ain. Ras Al-Ain disposes the brine (salt concentration>15,000mg/l) directly into the river. The brine generated by eachplant amounts to 15-25% of the inflow (MWI, 2001). There are manyplanned projects to increase the number of desalinization plants in thebasin which will lead to extra pressure on the groundwater extractionand brine disposal.The main problems of the river are derived from water scarcity, groundwater exploitation, low & fluctuating rainfall intensity, and water qualitydeterioration (Al-Afayfeh et al, 2006).IMPACTS OF THE POLLUTION:The resulting environmental impacts from decades of degradation areincreasing. The outcomes of pollution are related and their effects arecumulative. Immediate action is required and a strategy has been implementedfor restoration. Most of the impacts affect human health andquality of life, in addition to impacts on fauna and flora species. The currentdeterioration of the river and its environment has undermined thequality of life for residents throughout the basin. Since the river is beingutilized for irrigation of human and animal feed, the pollutants arepassed on to consumers through agricultural products. The food andwater security of the poor is compromised for residents in the basin; thisadds up to the negative impacts on livelihoods and other social and economicalfactors.1. Deterioration of groundwater quality15

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRFigure 6 Data from observation well [AL1037]. Source (GTZ,2004)Ground water is polluted to a level that in many regions it is unsuitablefor agriculture (IdRC, 2006) as a result of landfill leachate or infiltrationof wastewater. Polluted aquifers are spanned over the entire basin. Somewells are not suitable for agriculture, most of them are around KhirbetAs Samra and shallow wells adjacent to the river.Russayfa open landfill - the biggest landfill in Jordan- is located close tothe river course. The landfill is used for municipal solid waste, industrialwaste and sludge. There are no protective liners or leachate collectionsystems or any leachate treatment mechanism. The leachate is believed tobe percolating to groundwater, hence it is a threat to the river (Hamdi &Mrayyan, 2006; MOE, 2008; MWI, 2001). The presence of other landfillsin the basin is unknown.Over extraction of groundwater increased the salinity levels in manywells due to intrusion of brackish water, which limits their use and requiresthe need of desalinization (Al-Afayfeh et al, 2006; MWI, 2001).Fig. 6 shows the result of over abstraction causing quality degradation(increased salinity) and lowering of groundwater table.Figure 6 shows monitoring data for a well located in Hashmeyya, themonitoring well shows a decrease in water table level coincided with increaseof salinity over 40 years.2. Polluted swampsThese swamps are home to disease transmitting vectors and sources ofdiseases and other nuisances such as smell, unfavorable insects. Pollutedswamps increased because of the decrease of flow in the dry seasons andirregularities in the river bed.3. Death of Aquatic lifeThe high presence of ammonia and toxic element used in pesticides isbelieved to be the main reason leading to the death of fish and amphibians(cold blooded animals that tolerate rough living conditions such asfrogs, turtles, worms, snakes … etc) in the river (IdRC, 200; Alawi &Haddadin, 2004).4. Water quality deterioration of King Talal DamThe dam was initially planned to supply Amman with water, but due tobad quality it is used for irrigating the Jordan Valley. The deterioration ofquality in the dam threatens the viability of irrigated agriculture at some16

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Managementlocations. This is also a limitation for future agricultural activities in theJordan Valley and contaminated water is a threat to soil contamination.5. Land productivity declineThe productivity deterioration is caused either by increased soil salinityor increase in the level of contaminants in the soil. The loss of agriculturalsoils threatens the nation’s economy and security of food supply.An analysis was conducted in 2005 for 8 soil samples in the floodplain.The results showed high concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn.The concentration was highest around Khirbet As Samra and decreaseddownstream. The conclusion of the study states “although current metalconcentrations are low to moderate, floodplain surface soils in this areashould be regarded as a potential source for future heavy metal pollutiondownstream"(IdRC, 2006).6. Potential human injury and illness from exposure or interaction with the waterDiseases are spread to neighboring communities by disease transmittingvectors that live in the polluted swamps alongside the river. The ministryof Water and Irrigation confesses that these impacts include confirmedcases of spread of diseases among humans and livestock (MOE,2008).Additionally, farmers who interact with the treated wastewaterwithout using protective clothing they get diseases (UNEP 1997).WATER QUALITY MONITORINGData of three measuring stations were acquired from RSS for August2008, September 2008, February 2009, and March 2009. The data sets ofstation M-8 and station M-10 had hourly measurements of Temperature,Turbidity, pH, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous, Chemical OxygenDemand, and Electric Conductivity. While Data sets of station M-9didn’t have any measurements of Nitrogen or Phosphorous. Figure 7shows the location of the monitoring stations. The river flows from M-9to M-10, while M-8 measures the effluent Khirbet As Samra. Since themajority of the river is KSWTP effluent, we assume that the river flowsfrom M-8 to M-10.The data analyzed was set into two groups; winter 2009, which is the averageof March & February and summer 2008, which is the average ofAugust and September.Figure 7 Location of the monitoring stations. Source (Al-Wer, 2009)17

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRFigure 8. EC values for the three stations representinf summer2008 average and winter 2009 averageFor the winter data, COD, Temperature, Turbidity, Total Phosphorous,and Total Nitrogen decreased while the river flowing from M-8 to M-10.pH increased constantly, while Electrical Conductivity increased at M-10compared to M-8, but its maximum record was noticed at M-9.In the summer, the behavior of the river changed. Only Temperature,Total Phosphorous and Total Nitrogen decreased, while, pH and Turbiditydecreased. Electrical Conductivity and Chemical Oxygen demanddecreased from M-8 to M-10 but the lowest records were recorded at M-9. Figure 8 shows the average EC values for summer 2008 and winter2009. The rest of the parameters measured are attached in Appendix I.WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS IN THE BASINTreated wastewater is a major component of the river; roughly, morethan 90% of the river’s base flow originates from municipal & industrialtreated effluents. Wastewater treatment plants effluents have stabilizedthe base flow but also deteriorated the quality dramatically. Consideringfuture impacts of global warming along with increasing demand on water,the gap between supply and demand will grow bigger, so waste watercan be a vital resource in filling the Zarqa River basin demand.Figure 9 Wastewater treatment plants in the basin.Source (Al-Wer, 2009)18

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementFresh water inflow into the river from many sources like springs, floodplains, and fresh streams, have significantly decreased in the Zarqa Riverdue to unsustainable ground water extraction, Land use change, and lackof strict and/or unimplemented legislations.Figure 10 Hydraulic loads of wastewater treatment plants. Source(MWI, 2001)There are five wastewater treatment plants in the basin, as illustrated inFigure 9). Three of these wastewater treatment plants discharge their effluentsin the river. The effluents of the other two plants (Baq’a andAbu-Nuseir) do not reach the river. Another two plants are to be constructedin the future; a central industrial wastewater treatment plant andanother domestic wastewater treatment plant in Zarqa county (referredto as Wadi Zarqa) (B&S, 2008; IUCN, 2009; MWI, 2001).The five functioning wastewater treatment plants are: Khirbet As Samra,Jerash, Baqa’a Abu Nuseir, and Al-Mirad. Currently, the effluent fromKhirbet As Samra is around 93% of the gross effluent volume of thosefour plants. It is expected to decrease to 90% in 2025, still dominating allinflows of the river (MWI, 2001). Figure 10 is missing data from Al-Mirad WWTP; the figure illustrates the current discharge of the fourplants and the anticipated discharge 2025.The future municipal treatment plant will be located in Zarqa. The purposeis to treat domestic wastewater from both Amman and Zarqa inorder to reduce the loads on Khirbet As Samra. The location of the industrialwastewater treatment plant is not specified yet, but it would mostprobably be somewhere close to the major industrial zones in Amman orZarqa.The functioning Jerash wastewater treatment plant is currently workingon half its hydraulic load, but the purpose of Al-Mirad plant is to servethe western part of Jerash Governorate.Khirbet As Samra WWTP80% of wastewater collected in Jordan is treated at Khirbet As Samra(Fayyad & Shatanawi 1996). The treatment plant has been functioningsince 1985. The treatment method is stabilization ponds. The designedcapacity of the plant was 68,000 m3 with a detention time of 42 days(IdRC, 2006). Over the past few decades, the Amman-Zarqa region wentthrough a persistently massive urbanization process. By 2006, the plantwas receiving an average between 200,000 and 222,000 m3 per day witha recession time of less than 40 hours (MOE, 2008). On many occasions,when the plant received more than what it can handle, the raw sewagewas channeled to the river. In the end of 2008, the plant was expandedand began to apply mechanical and chemical treatments The capacity ofthe new station is 268,000 m 3 per day (MOE, 2008) The station serves19

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWR2.2 million people by treating an average of 200,000 m 3 per day whilesome of the remaining untreated water is diverted to forage and animalfeed farmers around the plant.The effluent of the plant is monitored by the Royal Scientific Society(RSS) and the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ). There are no consistentdata sets for trace elements and heavy metals, but RSS occasionallymeasures them for research purposes (Al-Afayfeh, 2006). The levels oftrace elements and heavy metals in the effluent are lower than the Jordanianstandards except for Zinc and Boron. However; other parameters;BOD5; COD; TSS; FOG (fats, oils & greases); NH4 + - N; Total Nitrogen;PO4 - P; Cl - ; HCO - 3 and fecal coli forms are not in compliance withthe Jordanian Standards (893/1995) for water to be allowed to dischargeto the riverbeds (in Arabic Wadis).After the expansion of the old station i.e. by 2009, all parameters of theeffluents complied with the relevant Jordanian standards (MWI, 2001).The average losses of the station from evaporation and leaks are 5.2%,while prior to the station’s upgrade in 2008 the average losses were15.6% (IUCN, 2009).Recent data acquired from RSS of Temperature, pH, Electric conductivity(EC), Turbidity, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous, and ChemicalOxygen Demand (COD) are available. The difference is noticeable butthe lack of data about many elements made it inappropriate for a comprehensivecomparison.The inflow to Khirbet As Samra treatment plant is always increasing. Itis also expected to keep increasing even when the other planned stationin Zarqa is functioning. The Ministry of Water & Irrigation expects theplant to be receiving more than 142 MCM by 2025 (MWI 2001).Measurements of effluent quality of Khirbet As Samra in the year 2000are attached in Appendix A.Jerash wastewater treatment plantThe average discharge of the station is about 3,400 m 3 /day, serving31,407 inhabitants (B&E, 2006). The data set acquired by the Water Authorityof Jordan (WAJ) between the years 1994 and 1999 should aresimilar to another effluent quality dataset from the year 2000. There is nourgent need for expansion or development of this plant, the quality isexpected to be consistent for the future until there is a need for development(MWI, 2001).The parameters examined are BOD 5 , COD, DO, TDS, TSS, PH, NO3-N, NH4-N, PO4-P, B and TFCC. There is no data for CL, SO4, andHCO3 for this site. The concentrations of NO3-N, NH4-N, PO4-P, Band TFCC do not meet the Jordanian standards of discharge to wadis(riverbeds). Additionally, there was 1 measurement done in September1999 for Cu, Fe, Mn, Cd and Zn. All of these elements met the standardsexcept for Cu. The values for BOD5, COD, DO, TDS, TSS and PH inthe effluent met the Jordanian standards for discharge to wadis.Measurements of effluent quality of Jerash in the year 2000 are attachedin Appendix B.Abu Nuseir treatment plant,The inflow of Abu Nuseir treatment plant is 2,358 m3/day, serving apopulation of 21,833. Abu Nuseir is a crowded dense area on the outskirtsof Amman. Future expansion of the sewage network or the area isunlikely to occur due to space availability (MWI, 2001). The expectedservice provided is expected to increase slightly. The hydraulic capacityof the facility is 1.46 MCM per year, so no expansion or development is20

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Managementrequired for this plant in the future. Therefore, the quality of effluentswill be consistent with the data set acquired by WAJ (unless an unforeseensituation arises).The contribution of this plant to the Zarqa river is negligible. The effluentis discharged into a valley that ends up in the river, but most of theflow is lost through seepage and evaporation (Wardam, 2009) The parametersmonitored are; BOD5, COD, DO, TDS, TSS and PH. They allmeet the Jordanian standards.Baq’a treatment plantBaq’a is in the basin but effluents from this facility are not discharged intothe river. 95% of households are within the service area (connected tothe sewer networks); therefore, future expansion is based on populationgrowth.The parameters monitored are BOD5, COD, TDS, and TSS. The Baq’afacility, being relatively effective at lowering the values of the monitoredparameters in the influent, only the TDS in the effluent complies withJordanian Standards for discharge to wadis. BOD5, COD and TSS arenot in compliance with the Jordanian standard. Since 2000 the facilityreached its maximum hydraulic load, and occasionally it gets overloaded.A new treatment plant was supposed to be operational by the end of2000. The following data represents the quality of the old plants and theprojected effluents for the plants that was supposed to be operationalsince the last quarter of 2000.Measurements of effluent quality of Baq’a in the year 2000 are attachedin Appendix C.Al-Mirad treatment plantThis treatment plant is located in the western part of Jerash and it hasonly recently been set in operation. It is serving a population of about34,000 with a daily load of 10,000 m 3 per day (Wardam, 2009). There isno data about effluent, but it should be within standards and disposes itseffluent into the river. The following table shows an estimation of theplant, the projection was made in the year 2000 by the ministry of environment.Expected measurements of effluent quality of Al-Mirad are attached inAppendix D.Projected influent amounts for 2025The effluent of Baq’a has no direct effect on the surface water quality inthe river, although it might have an effect groundwater quality. Additionally,the effluent of Abu Nuseir has a negligible effect on the river sincevery small amounts, if any, reach the river. In other words, the effect ofAbu Nuseir’s effluents on the river is negligible due to good outcomestandards and negligible volume contributing to the total treated wastewaterflowing in the river. Considering the effluent volume from KhirbetAs Samra and the planned Zarqa facilities will have the most impact. Theeffluents from Khirbet As Samra dominate and will be dominating theoutcome; therefore, investment in enhancing quality of the effluent is amust.Table 4 shows projected influents to all treatment plants that will be disposingtheir effluents in the river in 2025. The assumption made thatAbu-Nuseir facility will be upgraded and effluents that will discharge intothe river.21

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRTable 4Projected Inflow to WWTP in the basin. Source(B&E, 2008)Wastewater treatmentplantFlow(M 3 /Day)Per capitaflowPopulation servedKhirbet As Samra 213,996 109 1,963,263Wadi Zarqa (not operational)144,571 109 1,326,339Jerash 5,716 109 52,444Abu-Nuseir 3,992 109 36,627Al-Mirad Up to 10,000 109 91,473Total 378,275 3470,416SLUDGE HANDLINGPrimary and secondary sludge generated at Khirbet As Samra wastewatertreatment plant is thickened and treated in anaerobic digesters. Furthertreatment processes are held on site, if the sludge will be utilized for agriculturalpurposes. Usually the final destination of sludge is the landfill.Sludge generated at Abu Nuseir and Baq’a is transported to Ain-Ghazalstation to be conveyed to Khirbet As Samra via the siphon to be treatedthere. Sludge generated from Jerash Station is transported to Al-KaidarLandfill to be disposed. Information regarding Al-Mirad station sludgehandling and management is unknown.There are other wastewater treatment plants in the Amman vicinity.These additional three wastewater treatment plants (Salt, Fuhais, andMadaba) send their wet sludge to Ain Ghazal station to be conveyed toKhirbet As Samra via the siphon. This sludge is generated outside thebasin, but since it is brought into the basin, especially to Khirbet As Samra,it becomes a source of pollution to the river and the basin (B&E,2008).The dominant scenario for sludge treatment is that the sludge is dewateredon open drying beds then transported to be land filled. These dryingbeds are inefficient in the wet season, so the other alternative is totransport the wet sludge to Ain Ghazal station to be conveyed to KhirbetAs Samra via the siphon.Table5 shows the amount of sludge generated in 2007 from a numberwastewater treatment plants close to the basin. Our interest is in Baqa’a,Jerash and Abu Nuseir, but the rest of these stations, except for Jerash,transport their sludge to Ain-Ghazal station to be transferred to KhirbetAs Samra for treatment and utilization to generate Methane gas.Table 5 Amount and cost of sludge generated. Source (B&E, 2008)WastewaterWet SludgeDewatered SludgeTreatmentAnnual Annual Disposal Annual Annual DisposalPlantQuantity Cost Location Quantity Cost Location(M3/Yr) (JD/Yr)(M3/Yr) (JD/Yr)Jerash 8,000 48,000 Al-Kaidar 8,000 88,000 Al-KaidarAbu Nuseir 27,000 40,000 Ain Ghazal 600 5,400 Ain GhazalAl-Mirad 64,970 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown UnknownBaq’a 110,000 240,000 Ain Ghazal 500 4,500 Ain GhazalSalt 25,000 50,000 Ain Ghazal 800 7,400 Ain GhazalMadaba 36,000 84,000 Ain Ghazal 120 2,400 Ain GhazalFuheis 9,000 18,000 Ain Ghazal 700 6,400 Ain Ghazal22

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementWet sludge is collected from secondary clarifiers, while dewatered sludgeis collected from drying beds. Sludge management is a big problemthroughout the country. Sludge is not used for anything on a commercialscale due to high levels of toxicity. However animal manure is widelyused as a fertilizer.Sludge management is problematic from a financial point of view also;Sludge generated from Salt, Baq’a, Fuheis and Madaba is expensive andhas no economic return. Other problems occur from sludge processing;the two most important ones are ineffective drying beds and nuisancesaccompanied from sludge processing such as odors and insects. Jerashwastewater treatment plant is an example of inefficient dewatering beds.The station has no more space for expansion neither the appropriate laborto deal with it. Abu Nuseir treatment plant has mechanical dewateringequipment, but they are not used due to mechanical problems andodors. This might be also the case for Baq’a and other plants placed inpopulated areas.Sludge management drawbacksThe current sludge handling scheme has many problems leading to thecurrent situation of transporting the sludge to Ain Ghazal to be transportedto Khirbet As Samra for dewatering. The general problems are:1. Hazards and nuisances of transporting liquid sludge in urbanizedareas.2. High cost of transportation of un-dewatered sludge.3. High loads on Khirbet As Samra for treating massive amounts ofsludge.4. Ineffectiveness of drying beds during the wet season, since dryingbeds are usually outdoors.5. Limited area and nuisances caused from odors. Drying beds requirespace that in most cases is limited.6. Operational problems.INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES IN THE BASINFactories in the basin range from small workshops to heavy industries.The sectors are wide-ranging; the most dominant sectors are food,chemical, construction, textiles, leather, steel, pharmaceutical, pulp andpaper, medical sector and the main oil refinery (MWI, 2006) in additionto other small industries such as workshops, brick factories, car washlots, and tires & tire maintenance shops. More waste is generated fromsmall industries where liquid waste is drained from wash water and otherliquids that contain hazardous substances.The existing level of industrial discharges is very little and while someconsider it as negligible (MWI, 2001), but it should be regulated and monitoredtaking into consideration future growth and development. Formany decades industries used to either illegally dump their wastewater intothe river by tankers or flush it down the sewerage network. Since2007, all industries must comply with the Jordanian standard (JSS2007/202) before disposing to municipal sewer or meet the Jordanianstandard (JS 202/1991) for discharge into wadis, surface waters, or for irrigation.The damage caused by industrial wastewater and pharmaceuticalwastes was enormous and still violations of the standards are being cited.Industries have 3 options of discharging their water:1. Dispose directly into the sewerage networks if they meet JSS 2007/202standards.23

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWR2. Dispose in wadis, surface water bodies, groundwater recharge, or agricultureif they meet JS 202/1991.3. Transport the effluent to a wastewater treatment plant via tankers.Most of the discharges are treated at Khirbet As Samra, but the treatmentis inadequate. The plant was designed for treatment of high organicloads in stabilization ponds. The effects of the industrial discharges aremagnified due to the increase in their concentration in the ponds becauseof evaporation, inadequate treatment, and overloading the plant causingfailure to comply with standards.Utilizing treated effluents for irrigation is a concern due to the presenceof compounds that are not listed in the regulations. There is a threat thatthese hazardous compounds will reach surface or groundwater resources.There are standards for phenolic compounds in the discharge regulations,but other harmful organic compounds that could be present arenot taken into consideration. The levels of TDS and heavy metals aremore important to consider due to limitations of reuse and impacts onagricultural lands.Table 6 lists the major industries in the Zarqa river basin that dischargetheir effluents into the municipal sewer system. While, Table 7 showsmore detailed information about effluents of some industries that havedifferent types of disposal and concentrations of some elements in theirdischarges.24

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementTable 6 List of industries in the basin showing daily discharge of wastewater.Source (MWI, 2001)FirmAmman Municipality Slaughter -HouseJordan Tanning Co . Ltd .Hussain Thermal StationJordan dairy Co . Ltd.The Jordan Worsted Mills Co . Ltd.Eagle Distilleries Co.Jordan ice&aerated water co .ltd .ICA Company Ltd .Jordan Beer CompanyArab Co . For Medicines /SalalemClothes Factory / KrematexArab Co . For Medicines /BeheiraSweileh Sloughter-HouseArabic Chemical DetergentsIndustry Co .Jabri Sweet FactoryJordan ice&aerated water co .ltd.Hikma pharmaceuticals .Arabin trade &food industries.co.ltd.Jordan Valley food ind .co.Al_maraai est. for food industries .Universal modern industries co.Jordan Potato & Corn Chips Co.Al_issa industrial&trading co.Ata Ali FactoryFlow(m 3 /day)Firm800Raslan el-kasih &sons co.300Jordan Ceramic Industries Co . Ltd.250Middle East for Medicinal Ind . Co.170Sujab ice cream co .150Kasih Factories group for Food Stuff150Hammoudeh food industries co.110Al -Asrya Dairy Co .110Danish Jordanian Dairy Co. Ltd100Al -Morouj Co For Industrial Dairy Products86Belady Dairy Co .60Masoud Dairy Co .56Al -Sanabel Fresh Milk Dairy50Raei Dairy Factory Co .50Jordan jeans co.50National Clothing & Commerce Factory50Spinning & Weaving Co .40Bright Star Factory35Zaidan Factory35Arab Chemical Detergents Industries .30United Chemicals For Battaries Mfg .30Spartin Chemicals Co.30Arabic Fruit Juice Co .25 Hashem Karaman Group For Trade &Industry25Flow(m 3 /day)20201515151212121212121212101010101010332125

Issa Al-Wer TRITA LWRTable 7 Discharge criteria of effluents of some industries in the basin and different types of handling outflow. Source (MWI, 2001)Factory Location Quantity(M 3 /day)Type ofdischargeYear TDS (mg/l) TDS(kg/day)Masoud Dairy co. Hashmeyyeh, Zarqa 12 Irrigation 2000 1808 √ 22 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/aPoultry slaughter AlDhlail, Zarqa 200 Irrigation 2000 1421 √ 284 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/ahouseJordan Yeast Co. Russayfa 500 Irrigation 2000 17349 X 8657 5.3 X 0.28 X 0.14 √ 0.7 √ 0.24√ 0.49 X 0.48 XJ. Petroleum Refinary Hashmeyyeh, Zarqa 800 Irrigation 1998 1807 √ 1446 0.4 √ 0.036 0.016 √ 0.206 √ 0.023√ n/a n/a√ICA Company ltd. Russayfa 110 Public sewer 1999 1415 √ 156 0.08 √ 0.03 √ 0.03 √ 0.17 √ 0.085√ 0.0045 √ 0.035 √Eagle Distillers Zarqa 150 Public sewer 2000 3832 X 575 0.32 √ 0.01 √ 0.01 √ 0.34 √ 0.01√ 0.01 √ 0.02 √Jordanian Dairy Co. Zarqa 170 Public sewer 1999 1617 √ 275 0.38 √ 0.06 √ 0.11 √ 0.75 √ 0.14√ 0 √ 0.25 XHadeel Juice Co. Zarqa 0.2 Public sewer 2000 601 √ 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/aJordan Tanning Co. ltd Zarqa 300 Public sewer 1999 14272 X 4282 1.05 √ 0.123 0.105 √ 1.82 √ 0.295√ 0.325 X 0.001 √√National Iron & Steel Zarqa 1 Recycling 2000 1830 √ n/a 0.06 √ 0.23 X 0.03 √ 0.22 √ 0.01√ 0.19 √ 0.04 √Co.Hussein steel Facotry Zarqa 40 Recycling 2000 1712 √ 68 0.39 √ 0.39 X 0.05 √ 0.31 √ 0.02√ 0.22 X 0.375 XSalpho Chemical Co. Zarqa 10 Tank 2000 25299 X 253 3.65 X 0.275 0.135 √ 1.47 √ 0.175√ 0.295 X 0.1 √XIntermediate PetrochemicalsZarqa 11 Tank 1999 5026 X 55 0.17 √ 0.06 √ 0.15 √ 0.25 √ 0.15√ 0.23 X 0.1 √AlKawthar Dairy Co. Mafraq 12 Tank 1999 2564 X 31 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/aMafraq Agricultural co. Mafraq 40 Tank 2000 1046 √ 42 0.12 √ 0.01 √ 0.02 √ 0.32 √ 0.04√ 0.1 √ 0.01 √Middle East for Textiles Zarqa 60 Tank 2000 3533 √ 212 0.12 √ 0.12 √ 0.02 √ 0.34 √ 0.04√ 0.15 √ 0.05 √co.Fe(mg/l)√ Meets JSS 2007/202X Concentration in discharge is higher than allowed limits in JSS 2007/202Mn(mg/l)Cu(mg/l)Zn(mg/l)Cr(mg/l)Ni(mg/l)Pb(mg/l)26

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementREHABILITATION OF THE ZARQA RIVERThe official rehabilitation plan for the Zarqa River will be executed byMOE. Their plan was derived from a proposal prepared by InterdiscplinaryResearch Consultants (IdRC). The IUCN have been approved toconduct rehabilitation work on the river too in collaboration with specializedauthorities. The accredited rehabilitation plans are attached inAppendix F, Appendix G, and Appendix F.The maximum utilization of present resources is a key to the problemsolution of providing Jordan with its water needs without having to findnew water resources. Typical water related problems are generated from“inefficient and ineffective management of national water resources,subsidized water to end users, poor aquifer and surface water quality, inefficientirrigation water networks, and inefficient use of irrigation water”(MOE, 2008).The solution to the Zarqa river must be reached by a comprehensive approach.Integrated water resource management is a vital step towardssustainable rehabilitation. A fundamental approach must take into considerationinteractive uses of surface and groundwater of different qualities.Most importantly, water sources must be protected from depletion,quality degradation, and pollution. Some of the pollution impacts of theZarqa River might be irreversible such as loss of biodiversity and deteriorationof human health (IdRC, 2006 & MOE, 2008).Integrated water resource management (IWRM) is defined as "a processwhich promotes the coordinated development and management of water,land and related resources, in order to maximize the resultant economicand social welfare in an equitable manner without compromisingthe sustainability of vital ecosystems" (GWP, 2004). Doing actual reclamationwork is far more challenging than the will associated with practicalknowledge. The solution is diverse and requires multidisciplinaryplanning, taking into account the demands of all stakeholders, environmentalrequirements, recreational activities, equity between users, and finance.The Zarqa River rehabilitation will be successful by meeting the followinggoals, this scope of work have been recognized both MOE andIUCN which are summarized below (MOE, 2008):1. Setting clear goals by enhancing the understanding of stakeholdersand consensus on problems and strategies through applying systemtools, economic analysis, and participatory planning andstakeholder approach.2. A general methodology for river basin development and management.3. A master plan for the restoration of Zarqa river and applying 5 pilotprojects in the 5 segments that are accepted by all relevantstakeholders that will assure livelihoods in proper improvementsand economic development.4. Assessment of the pilot projects to show future success of appropriateinterventions and management tools.5. Empowerment of all relevant stakeholders (GOs, NGOs, privatesector, CBOs, and end-users) in the process of implementing resourceplanning and management.27

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRROLE OF PRIMARY STAKEHOLDERSAs of 2007 the Ministry of Environment decided to take immediate actionfor the rehabilitation of the Zarqa River. Additional stakeholders(other than the ones mentioned in Chapter 10) are involved and had participatedin this integrated river basin management approach. The partiesinvolved at all levels in this integrated approach are: Ministry of Water &Irrigation, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture,Ministry of Planning & Foreign Collaboration, Zarqa County,Municipality of Greater Amman, Zarqa Municipality, Municipality ofRusayfa, The Hashemite University, the Royal Institute for Nature Preservation,and International Union for Conservation of Nature. While involvedparticipants for any emergency spills are: The Ministry of Water& Irrigation, The Ministry of Public Work & Housing, Ministry ofHealth, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, The municipalityof Greater Amman, Environmental police, Zarqa Municipality,Rusayfa Municipality.The actions planned for Phase 1 is to identify 5 sites for conducting pilotplans and to initiate the restoration by; cleanup campaigns, river bed restoration,clearing channels and restoration of sub basins, and reconstructionof wetlands.The role of the Ministry of Environment have been monitoring and penalizingviolators for few years. In some cases, factories were shutdowntill they meet Jordanian standards for the proper type of discharge oftheir effluents. There are continuous monitoring and inspectionschemes, with the association of the Water Authority of Jordan and theRoyal Scientific Society, but there are no onsite testing devices. Anotherplan set by the ministry is the establishment of a central industrialwastewater treatment facility that will deal with wastewater generatedfrom industries throughout the nation. This plant will not only limit theirdischarges into the river, but it will also enhance the quality of effluentsof Khirbet as Samra treatment plant, which might be a vital step formaximizing treatment of the influents. It will make the treatment municipalwastewater more efficient and the effluent would be less toxic.The IUCN first pilot project conducted aims at increasing the efficiencyof water use. There is no solid plan yet, but the general application oftheir plan will be applying different cropping patterns that require lesswater, revegitation of river banks, on-farm rain water harvesting, andempowering visions of stakeholders. IUCN is also planning to acquireland to construct recreational sites such as parks alongside the river. TheIUCN’s official plan is attached in Appendix G.The strategy launched by the IUCN (Appendix G) for the restoration ofthe Zarqa River is a long-term plan of commitment towards rebuildingthe functions of the river and its ecosystems. The strategy follows principlesof IWRM. The main components of the strategy with the goals ofeach component are:• Knowledge, information, and communication: to build publicsupport of the Zarqa river restoration through communicationwith stakeholders and decision makers. This component is alsoessential for the gathering of scientific knowledge and monitoringschemes to determine actions that should be taken.• Governance: this component empowers civil society through institutions.Proper governance should integrate the people’s needswith users, managers, and policy makers.28

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementRIVER SEGMENTATION• Social and economic development: application of incentives forbasin management through reversal of environmental degradationassociated with social impacts.• Resource management and demonstration: integrated planning ofwater resources management.One component that must be investigated in the IWRM is exchange betweentreated wastewater and freshwater that is proposed in the Ministryof Water and Irrigation strategy of 2009. Amounts could be exchangedunder the supervision of the appropriate authority.If the effluent quality of the new Khirbet as Samra is improved, thiscould have cumulative effects in decreasing the demand on groundwaterand decrease costs of pumping on farmers.The establishment of a river committee for the Zarqa River is really importantto collaborate with stakeholders, conduct projects, and communicatewith donor agencies. Stakeholders have no common vision aboutthe river. This conflict of interest lead to this degradation (MOE, 2008)...An independent committee is required to focus on the river and communicatewith other stakeholders to assure the rehabilitation project.The river is divided into 5 segments as shown in Figure 10 to pinpointdegradation problems and ease solving them within responsible authorities.The segments are divided upon land use, administrative borders,and topological coherence. Other reports divided the rivers into moresections, but this method, carried out by IUCN is simple and clear. Itwill also be used to conduct pilot projects for each segment. The importanceof river segmentation is vital in any rehabilitation project. It willmake sites more relevant to conducting projects and each pilot projectwill be relevant to the segment demands.Segment 1Starts from the source of the river in downtown Amman and ends at theborder of Amman Municipality. This is a high density populated area. Inother reports it is classified as “continuous urban fabrics” or “continuousconcrete”. The stakeholders of this segment are discussed listed inTable 8 and their required roles.Main sources of pollution:1. Bus station (Al-Muhajireen station)This area affects the river in the winter, runoff water- washing oils, diesel,and other polluters- flushes to the river because this station has alower altitude than its surroundings. Sewer water also leaks and getsmixed with runoff water. The municipality of Greater Amman constructedconcrete channels to avoid the mixing of runoff water with sewageand the bus terminal was raised on top of these channels, but stillthere are occasional spills especially in the rainy season.2. Water desalinization plant (Raas Al-Ain)This plant started functioning in 2003; it works on Reverse Osmosis.The station discharges its brine into the river, but there is no data aboutthe salinity or the total dissolved solids, typical concentration of brine isover 100,000 mg/l (MWI 2001m). The quality of the effluent is highly29

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRsaline, but no toxic materials are present. The station treats 264,000 toFigure 10 the 5 segments of the river. Source (Al-Wer,2009)658,000 m 3 per month depending on demand, the average reject watershould be 15% to 25% (IUCN, 2009).3. Amman Slaughter houseIt discharges an average of 800 m3 per day (MWI 2001 J). The dischargeshould go to municipal sewerage networks, but spills and leaks are noticeable.The slaughter house discharge is a pollutant and source of diseases.4. Area between Amman Slaughter House and Ain Ghazal pumpingstation.It is noted that this area has stagnant water pools, which host diseasetransmitting vectors and bad odors. The source of this water is not determinedyet but it could be the pumping station or the slaughter house.AinGhazal pumping station pumps sewage water collected from Ammanto Khirbet As Samra. The station is also used for conveying wet and dewateredsludge through the siphon to Khirbet As Samra from five otherwastewater treatment plants. Additionally, septic tanks unload their untreatedwastewater to be conveyed to Khirbet As Samra.5. Greater Amman Municipality Tree Nursery (located in Al-Kadiseyya)The workers there complain about odors & disease vectors during thesummer. They also noted that the nursery does not use the river’s waterfor irrigation due to its low quality.6. Ground water extraction station (Ain Ghazal)The station extracts ground water. The water is either pumped to storagetanks or immediately to the water network after minor treatment withchlorine. This station is monitored continuously. The pump’s coolingwater gets disposed into the river directly; the effluent quality is noted tobe high. In some incidents, sewage network flooding pollute the storagetanks. In these situations they dispose all their water into the river.7. Other possible polluters; 11 gasoline station, 28 car washing facility,15 vehicle maintenance facilities & a few marble cutting facilities.These are subject to leaks, cleaning water flow-out, dustor solid waste.30

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementSummary of stakeholders for Segment 1Table 8 Summary of stakeholders for Segment 1. Source(IUCN, 2009)Stakeholder Role ResponsibilitiesMunicipality of greater Amman/Constructions DepartmentPrimary Maintenance and cleaning ofwater collection networks andimmediate response to complainsMunicipality of greater Amman/Complaints Department foradjacent area : Zahran, AlMahattaand main officeJordan Water Authority/ sewageControlPrimaryPrimaryForwarding complaints to theappropriate stakeholderChecking for leakage in thenetwork adjacent to the riverMinistry of Health Primary Monitoring drinking waterquality and its sourcesMinistry of Environment Primary Follow-upsMinistry of Water & Irrigation Primary Legislation, Laws & integratedplanningJordan Water Company (Miyahuna)Ministry of Environment / EnvironmentalpolicePrimaryPrimaryManagement of groundwatersources within the basin andchecking filtration stationsFinding violations & dealingwith themAmman slaughter house Primary Eliminate pollutionAin Ghazal Treatment Station Primary Treatment of effluentsInhibitors Secondary Fix the illegal extensions ofsewer networks & eliminateimproper solid waste disposalCommercial businesses Secondary Victims of winter floodingFactories and car cleaners Secondary Proper waste disposalFarms Secondary Located alongside the river inthe area of Zarqa bridge.Using groundwater for irrigationSegment 2The boundaries of this segment are the administrative border of RussayfaMunicipality. Russayfa is a major industrial center and a high densityresidential area. Not all of the houses are connected to the sewer system.There is also a narrow agricultural strip alongside the river.There are 10 water wells owned by the Ministry of Water & Irrigation,which are exploited to supply Amman with water. One of the wells (well# 10) discharges water into the river immediately while there is anotherprivately owned well that sells its water to private distributors. About 20years ago the owner of the private well had to deepen the well from 120meters to 180 meters due to the decrease of water table.In the last decade the amount of agricultural lands decreased in this sectiondue to the scarcity of water. The farms used to irrigate using springsthat stopped yielding water because of over extraction of groundwater.This caused local inhabitants to abandon agriculture encouraging the expansionof residential areas. The stakeholders of this segment are discussedlisted in Table 9 and their required roles.Main problems facing this segment are summarized as:• Degradation of agricultural lands and the relocation of farmers.• Disposal of solid wastes, building wastes and other wastes in vastamounts.31

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWR• Dried-up water springs due to uncontrolled groundwater extraction.• Expansion of urban areas over agricultural lands.• Flooding of sewer networks in the river.• Lack of environmental and water awareness programs.• Lack of willingness from stakeholders to deal with the river’s pollution.• Other; 1 gasoline station, 4 car washing facilities, 6 vehicle maintenancefacilities & some marble cutting facilities; these are subjectto leaks, cleaning water flow-out, dust or solid waste.• Possibility of ground water pollution because of the above reasons.• Presence of a Yeast factory that is polluting the surrounding areasbecause of the discharge of untreated waste water effluent.• Sewerage leakage from residential areas directly into the river.• Spread of bricks and ceramic factories/workshops alongside theriver.Summary of stakeholders for segment 2Table 9 Summary of stakeholders for Segment 2. Source(IUCN, 2009)Stakeholder Role ResponsibilitiesWater Authority of Jordan Primary pumping of drinking water & managementof sewer networksRusayfa Municipality Primary Monitoring, Planning & empoweringlegislationsHealth Authority Primary Monitoring of drinking water quality forprivately owned wellsAl-Yamoun Organization Primary Awareness programsWorking Ladies AssociationPrimary Awareness of civil societyPrince Faisal Mountain Primary Awareness programsOrganizationAl-Furkan School Primary Stop polluting, and conduct awarenessworkshopsAl-Awza’y School Secondary Awareness programsPublic Library Secondary Awareness programsPrivate well owners Primary Water consumer & distributorEngineers SyndicateRussayfa branchSecondary Awareness & involvement in mitigationmeasuresRecommendations for this segment• The intervention of the municipality and civil society associationsfor diminishing solid waste dumping in the river.• Immediate cleaning of the river.• Study of a better use of the excess water of Well # 10 for environmentalrecreational projects.• Finding an alliance between civil society institutions and governmentalagencies in the implementation of environmental laws.32

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management• Proper implementation of the roles of the Ministry of Environment,the Municipality & Environmental Police for their evidentabsence of requirement achievements in Russayfa.• Study the impact of the waste water of the Yeast factory and itseffect on local residents.Segment 3This section falls under Zarqa Municipality, it stretches from the end ofRussayfa municipality until the meeting point of the two streams atSukhnah bridge. There is occasional sewage spill in the river from a primarysewerage line which is adjacent to the river.Due to the diversity of land use of this section, it has been divided into 3subsections and the roles of the stakeholders of the whole segment arediscussed in Table 10.Subsection 1This section stretches from Ojan to Hayy Ma’soom as shown in Figure11. The number of inhabitants in this section is 50,000-60,000, but thepeople who are directly affected or are affecting are about 3,500. Thereare also some privately owned farms of olives and vegetables. The totalarea of the cultivated land is 8 hectares; it is irrigated by wells that havean average depth of 15 meters. The average distance between the welland the river is 40 meters.Summary of problems:• Dumping of rubbles in the river.• Dumping of all types of wastes in the river turning it into a healthhazard.• Flooding of the sewer networks.• Presence of some industrial facilities alongside the river that disposetheir wastes directly into the river.Figure 9 Aerial map of Segment 3, Subsection 1.Source GoogleEarth 200933

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWR• Percolation of the river’s polluted water to groundwater that isused by farmers for irrigation.• A bridge is constructed by adjacent quarry owners that caused narrowingof the river. This site gets blocked occasionally, whichhas caused the accumulation of wastes and car tires.• When Zarqa pumping station (southern part) overloads, it dischargesthe untreated waste water directly into the river.• Other; 4 petrol stations, 9 car washing facilities, 28 vehicle maintenancefacilities, 11 brick manufacturing facilities & 5 marblecutting facilities, these are subject to leaks, cleaning water flowout,dust or solid waste.Subsection 2:This section extends from the end of Hayy Ma’soom to Abu iz ZeghanBridge. According to IUCN, this is the most affected part (IUCN, 2009)and has been selected for the first pilot project of the rehabilitation plan(Abbadi, 2009).Generally, this subsection hosts low population (8,000inhibitors) that owns small to medium sized farms as shown in Figure12. There is also a sewage pumping station (West Zarqa) and 2 quarries.The towns in this section are not connected to the sewerage network andthere are many shallow wells (average depth 15 meters) adjacent to theriver.Summary of problems:• Presence of quarries.• Big concentration of rock cutting facilities.• West Zarqa sewage stations that is responsible for pumping sewageto Khirbet As Samra treatment plant.• Dumping of all sorts of wastes that turned this part of the river intoa major nuisance spot, most noticeably; odors; diseases; andhome to disease vectors.• Disposal of sewage from tankers directly into the river.• Generally speaking, this area suffers from a very bad environmentalsituation.Figure 10 Aerial photo of Segment 3, subsection 2.Source GoogleEarth 34 2009

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementSubsection 3:Figure 11 Aerial photo of segment 3, subsection 3.Source GoogleEarth 2009This section extends from Abu Zeghan Bridge to the meeting point ofthe two streams at Sukhnah (0.5 km away from Sukhnah bridge) asmarked with a red circle on the top of Figure 13. The river passes be-Table 10 Summary of stakeholders for Segment 3. Source(IUCN, 2009)Stakeholder Role ResponsibilitiesSubsection 1Medical Center Primary Carryout awarenessMunicipal office Primary Controlling pesticidesAl-Jamzawi Association Primary Empowerment of civilsociety roleShajarat Al-Durr school Secondary Conduct awarenessprogramsAl-Khawarezmy school Secondary Conduct awarenessprogramsYusef Al-Siddeeq Association Secondary Conduct awarenessprogramsSubsection 2West Amman water purification plant Primary MonitoringQuarry owners Secondary Stop pollutingJordan Water Authority Primary Enforcing lawsCBOs Primary Targeted for futureinterventionsZarqa Municipality Primary Enforcing lawsMinistry of Health Primary MonitoringSubsection 3CBOs Primary Targeted for futureinterventionsMunicipal office Primary Monitoring & controllingpesticidesSukhneh Women Association Primary Awareness programs35

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRtween two villages; Al-Sukhna and Al-Gnayya that have a total populationof 21,000 inhabitants .Generally, this subsection is a low populatedarea while the most dominant land use is agriculture or grazing areas.Agricultural activities decreased substantially due to the decreased flowof the river and deterioration of its quality.Main problems of this subsection:• Unpleasant odors and infestation by mosquitoes.• Disposal of solid wastes in the river.• No sewage network for the villages.• Other; 1 gasoline station and a few brick manufacturing facilities.Segment 4The length of this section is about 15 km; it starts at Khirbet As Samrawastewater treatment plant until the meeting point of the two streams. Inthis section; there are 95 public schools, 6 health care centers, 38 artesianwells and 8 natural springs. The total inhabitants of the region are 46,116people. There is one brick manufacturing facility and one marble cuttingfacility.Both the influent and effluent of the plant is used to irrigate adjacent foragefarms of a total 470Ha, the water is also used to irrigate non edibletrees. Other animal farms are also present; 4 cow farms and 40 poultryfarms. The main oil refinery is less than 4 km away from the plant, whileAl-Hussein thermal power plant is across the street from the oil refinery.The rest of the industrial presence is spread randomly and consists of 2dairy processing factories, a fish factory, live stock feed factory and someiron and steel factories.One of the surrounding villages (Al Dulail) had more than 50 artesianwells that were used for irrigation, but after the facility started working inthe late 1980s the groundwater got polluted, so the wells were shutdown.The team conducting the Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) report carried outmany interviews with the farmers that are using the untreated water orthe river’s water for irrigation, mainly alfalfa barley and olive trees. Theyare charged 50 JOD (about 75 $) for each hectare per year for using asmuch water as they need.The farmers’ main observations can be summarized as follows:• Productivity increased due to the enhancement of the water quality.• The efficiency of the upgraded station is much better than the oldone and pungent odors decreased significantly.• There are still other polluters (violators) who dispose septic tanksand solid waste into the river.• There is no safe use of the water, lands will be degraded and theiroutput is not suitable for human consumption.Due to the degradation that happened from the stabilization ponds, thevillage adjacent to the plant got disserted because of pungent smells, pollutionof ground water resources, and unpleasant life styles. Evidence ofabandoned schools and healthcare centers are all over the village. Addi-36

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Managementtionally, some locals said that cattle and sheep die from drinking the river’swater (IUCN. 2009).Summary of stakeholders for segment 4Table 11 Summary of stakeholders of section 4. . Source (IUCN,2009)Stakeholder Role ResponsibilitiesFarmers Primary -use of untreated water for agriculture (affected)-production of contaminated crops (influential)Residents Primary -Affected by pollution (health & decreased economicalopportunitiesAs-Samratreatment plantPrimary -Control of effluents-Provide farmers with better quality waterCommercial Primary eliminate the pollutionunits on theriver bedPoultry farmers Primary Disposal of dead chickens in the riverIron factories Primary Polluting the riverInstitutions ofcivil societyMinistry ofHealth’s officePrimaryPrimaryMunicipality Primary -pest control- finding violatorsMinistry ofWater & IrrigationJordan ValleyAuthoritySeconadySecondary-Stimulating environmentally friendly projects-must deliver the demands of residents to theappropriate authority-Monitoring drinking water & its source quality-get involved in monitoring irrigated cropsMaintenance of sewage networks to avoid leakageinto the riverManagement of water provision to farmersOil refinery Seconady -Executing or financing environmental projects-possible oil dumping into the riverThe powercompanyZarqa office ofagricultureEnvironmentalpoliceSeconadryPrimaryPrimary-Executing or financing environmental projects-possible oil dumping into the river-Monitoring agricultural practices-finding violators-monitoring-finding violatorsSegment 5:This Segment starts from the meeting point and ends at the inlet of KingTalal Dam. The length of this section is about 35km and the role ofstakeholders is aummarized in Table 12, it is divided into 3 subsectionsbecause of varying land use, economic and social conditions, and a varietyof ecosystems.Subsection 1:This subsection stretches from the bridge on Amman-Irbid highway(where Faisal Nursery is located) to the inlet of King Talal Dam. Asshown in Figure 14, this area is has intense agricultural activities; nurseries,vegetables, orchards, and fruit trees. Another advantage of this areais a presence of a good road adjacent to the river that eases access andtransportation of agricultural products to markets.37

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRFigure 14 Aerial photo of Segment 5, Subsection 1. Source GoogleEarth2009The opinions of the stakeholders in this area varied regarding the waterquality and amount of use. They all agreed that quality varies from onemonth to another, but generally there is an improvement of quality in thelast 18 months. They also stated that in some occasions the quality substantiallydegrades, especially during the olive harvest season where thewaste of presses is dumped in the river and occasion untreated waste waterdisposed.Special features about this subsection:• Bigger-scale farming, around the river bed, is dominated by trees.While further inland and closer to the road it is dominated bysmall scale vegetable farms.• Dumping agricultural residues and plastics from adjacent farms &nurseries.• Inconsistency of water quality.• Presence of some natural springs that discharge into the river.• Intense use of natural springs adjacent to the river.• Jerash Treatment plant disposes its effluents into the river, notingcolor and odors are better than the quality of water in the river.• Lack of knowledge/criteria for Jerash treatment plant effluents.• Lack of support in monitoring and law enforcements for the useof water.Main problems of this subsection:• Dumpind untreated/partially treated waste water and other pollutionelements from olive presses and leather processing & tanningfacilities.• Most of the running water is from As-Samra treatment plant thatgets mixed with the effluents of Jerash treatment plant and somenatural springs.• No legislations for the use of the river water.• No presence of the environmental police in that region.• Possible dumping of septic tanks directly into the river.• Presence of a committee for the river, headed by the director ofthe Mastaba district.38

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management• Presence of oil presses close to the river.• Presence of some big nurseries such as Faisal and Iris.• Some farmers use the river’s water for irrigating vegetables whichis illegal.• Some sulfuric wells discharge into the river. The government hasplans for desalinization for municipal purposes.Subsection 2This subsection stretches from the upper part of Faisal Nursery to TawahinAl Adwan Bridge. This section is unique in comparison with theother segments due to agribusiness; large areas of land are owned by fewpeople, and which are used for agricultural production. There are veryfew and small villages that are surrounded by grazing areas. This area alsohas low rainfall intensity, but most farms have their own supply ofwater from wells.People who were interviewed in that region confirmed that the river waterquality is much better than before but it is still not suitable for agriculture.Special features about this subsection:• Clear demand of the water.• This section is geographically remote, so the location is impracticalfor constant monitoring & checkup schemes.Subsection 3The borders of this subsection starts from Tawaheen al Adwan bridgeand ends at the meeting point of the two streams.This subsection is similar to subsection 1 regarding land use. The biggestdifference is the presence of bigger settlements close to the river. Thesevillages get their water supply from natural springs. The region is dominatedby agriculture and there is a big road that connects Zarqa to Jerash.The area is also affected from pollution from Zarqa city, especially at thebeginning where the two streams meet. At the point of intersection, andbeyond, there is significant evidence of how the lack of water from theriver affects the surrounding environment. That point represents aswitch from an arid-dead region to a more flourishing environment.Speacial features about this subsection:• Recreational sites around the natural springs and other areas.• The area of Tawaheen Al-Adwan has some cultural landmarks ofold civilizations.• The road connecting Zarqa and Jerash and another road adjacentto the river provide good development opportunities for investments.• Presence of nurseries.Main problems of this subsection:• Most of the water is from As-Samra treatment plant effluent,mixed with a negligible amount of water from the other streams’and natural springs’ discharges.39

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWR• Presence of many small scale agriculture, which increases competetionon the water between users.• The eastern part of this subsection is close to Zarqa and is affectedby the pollution generated from the small industries.• Uncontrolled use of the natural springs, and therefore negligibleamounts end up in the river.• Waste from nurseries, especially tin and plastic, shows evidencethat the area lacks governance.Summary of stakeholders for Segment 5Table 12 Summary of Stakeholders for Segment 5. Source (IUCN, 2009)Stakeholder Role ResponsibilitiesMinistry of Agriculture Essential -Managing Faisal nursery.-Surveillance of agricultural practices.- Provision of advice, guidance and support.Ministry of health Essential -Monitoring the type of agricultural activities.-Monitoring water quality.-Studying the effect of water on the public health.Ministry of Water & Irrigation-Jordan Valley AuthorityMinistry of interior affairs-Directorates of the JudiciaryEssentialEssential-Management of King Talal Dam.-Management of water downstream from the dam.-Monitoring of water quality & its effects.-Enforcing legislations.Ministry of Environment Essential -Monitoring environmental effects of the river and its use.-Coordinating national efforts.-Financing & executing environmental projects & interventions.Private nurseries Essential -Proper use of the river water.-planting trees (forage & recreational).Large scale farmers Essential -Proper use of river water.-Choosing proper type of irrigated crops.-Control of additives (pesticides, nutrients...etc).Small scale farmers Essential - Proper use of river water.-Choosing proper type of irrigated crops.-Control of additives (pesticides, nutrients...etc).PicnickersMine & quarry ownersJerash wastewater treatmentplantAl-Mirad wastewater treatmentplantNotEssentialNotEssentialEssentialEssential-Affected by pollution (general & water).-Proper waste disposal.-Eliminate to pollution.-Alteration of the course of the river if necessary.Quantity & quality of water in the river.Quantity & quality of water in the river.Olive pressers Essential Eliminate pollution.Environmental police Essential -Monitoring of activities along the river.-Law enforcement.-Awareness.Cattle & sheep ownersNotEssential-Direct & indirect use of the water.-Polluting the river from animal manure.Residents of small villagesNotEssential-Direct & indirect affect from the quality of the water.-Potential users.Local civil societies Essential -Proper use of river water for agricultural.-conduct public awareness.-Sustain pilot projects.40

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementFUTURE TRENDS IN THE BASINClimate changeIn Jordan water is a very limited resource, and therefore planning anddistribution must be managed accurately to avoid catastrophes. Our roleas environmental engineers is to reduce the impacts of climate change,while our role as humans is to understand it and adapt to it. Many studieshave been conducted and a number of projections have been madeabout climate change. The need of computer models is inevitable sincenatural systems are complex and dependant on many components. In thecase study Impact of climate change on the monthly Runoff of a semi-arid catchment:case study Zarqa river basin (Jordan) and Optimization for sustainable water resourcemanagement (Al-Afayfeh et al., 2006) this issue was discussed thoroughly.Furthermore, the issue is worthy of investigation in order to beprepared and plan future demands accordingly.The data used in the model represent the data set between the years 1960and 2000. Mean annual temperature was 17.2°C, mean maximum temperature12.3°C, mean minimum 11.1°C, and mean annual runoff was273.6 mm. Data from the years 1981-1988 were used initially to calibratedata sets and compared to data from 1988-1995 assuring realistic scenariosas much as possible.The model is complex and builds causal relations between runoff, airtemperature and precipitation. The interaction between these factors willaffect other properties such as soil moisture content, evaporation, transpiration,runoff and many other properties that will affect the runoff. Inthis case, runoff is the most important element to investigate at since runoffwater is the biggest input to the river (Abdulla et al, 2007). Thestream flow data were calibrated by subtracting the amount of effluentsof wastewater treatment plants contributing to the river from the river’sbase flow. Most of the value remained after the subtraction would be runoffwater.Ten incremental scenarios were compared to the current situation. Theseincremental scenarios are with temperature increase +2°C and +4°Cwhile precipitation changes is either +20%, +10%, 0, -10%, or -20%.They are projected scenarios for climate change at expected concentrationsof atmospheric CO 2.All results showed decreasing runoff, varying from 10%-60%. Only onescenario shows an increase of runoff, namely when the temperature was+2°C from average and precipitation increased by a factor of 20%.Figure 125 Presentation of anticipated global warming scenarios.Source (Abdula & AlOmari, 2008)41

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRThe results are presented in Figure 15. From these results, the optimalsituation this basin can achieve is a combination of +2°C in air temperatureand +20% precipitations. All other scenarios would harm the ecosystemand put extra load on consumers (household, industries & agriculture).When rainfall intensity increases 10%, runoff water decreases10% - 30% for both temperatures consecutively. The most critical scenariowhere the largest change in annual runoff occurred is when combining+4°C with -20% change precipitation. The mean annual runoffwas predicted to decline approximately 70% of the current level comparedto the 2006 data.In more detailed figures, the peak flow occurs at the same time of theyear as previous data, but the magnitude was smaller. Another difference,when doubling CO 2 amount, both models showed an increase in tempwould reduce the monthly runoff of the rainy season except for nochange in April and a slight increase in May. The overall result was a decreasein the annual runoff 12%-40%. When temperature increases by+2°C to +4°C and precipitation was reduced by 10% annual runoff ispredicted to decrease 40%-60%.Serious negative consequences of the basin are affiliated with lower runoff,while in basins that receive high total precipitation appears to be lesssensitive. Therefore, significant changes are to be expected in a basinwith medium and low runoff. Similar results in other Middle Easterncountries were noticed, for instance in Lebanon (Bou-Zeid & El-Fadel.2002).Limitations:Models are used to predict the future; however natural systems are farmore complex to be modeled precisely. Models should be used as a toolto widen our understanding and view; they are not certain nor can theybe totally accurate. One of the model’s inputs is amount of water storedin the upper 25cm. This causes unrealistic projections especially in thedry seasons, which is a critical drawback in this model, since it worksbest in the rainy season. Another fact which is critical is that more than90% of the river flow is treated wastewater. In the future the amount isexpected to rise which will significantly increase the flow of the river andmight substitute the projected drawdown in runoff. Other dynamicproperties of the basin must be taken into consideration such as topographyalteration, change in water demand, drought occurrence, etc.The United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for WesternAsia (ESCWA) wrote in their 2005 report “In 1999, rainfall dropped toabout 30 per cent of its annual average, while in 2000, rainfall reached only 56 percent of its annual average, leaving Jordan’s six dams only 33 per cent full.”(UN,2005) These drought events will have an effect on the basin and the riverfar more than decreased runoff for the successive years causing moredemand and infiltrating water.As a conclusion, it is obvious that climate change will most probably affectthe flow of the river negatively, causing a shortage in environmentalflow as well as supply for consumers. Proper future planning will need tolook at the bigger picture in order to be more site-specific.Future projects in the Zarqa River basinThe following projects are expected to have enormous positive impactson the river and the ecosystems it supports. These are the most influen-42

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Managementtial projects that will result in decreasing pollution inflow and decreasegroundwater abstraction.1. Wadi Zarqa closed canal:The aim of this project is to eliminate overflows generated from excessflow in the sewerage pipe. The resulted surcharge is generated fromflooding manholes due to clogging, higher flows than design capacity,and pump station failure.“The existing conveyance sewer pipelines in Wadi Zarqa (SeilZarqa) are becoming old and not capable of copping with the wastewaterinflows particularly those occur during Winter Season. In addition theproblems of clogging and the corrosion of large parts of these pipelinesform a potential source of risk that threatens the area of pollution.Therefore, a new larger canal or pipe is urgently needed.” (MWI, 2009)This canal will be 50 km long, and it will connect Saqf Al-Sail (Ammancity centre) to the new proposed plant in Wadi Zarqa, through AinGhazal station). This canal will reduce the load on Khirbet As Samra, bydiverting sewage to the new Wadi Zarqa Station and will divert sewagewater when Ain Ghazal facility overloads. The overall outcomes of thisegg-shaped canal would be surface and groundwater pollution preventionand protection of health and environment.2. “Wadi Zarqa” wastewater treatment plantThis plant will reduce the load on Khirbet As Samra. It is expected to bein construction in 2010.3. Expansion of Jerash wastewater treatment plantAccording to B&E engineers, there are plans for the expansion and upgradingof the facility. The sewerage networks are also to be expanded,and so will the treatment capacity (B&E, 2006).4. Septage treatment facilityThe purpose of this facility is to reduce loads on Khirbet as Samra. Thefacility must be located away from densely populated areas to reducenuisances, eliminate potential spills, and reduce traffic in densely populatedareas.5. Hazardous waste treatment facilityTo provide proper hazardous and medical waste treatments. The locationwill be Swaqa (70 km south of Amman). This should minimize theamount of hazardous material in leachate (at Russayfa) or improper disposalin valleys. It will also protect groundwater and Zarqa river frompollution by these materials.6. Upgrade of Russayfa landfillLeachate collection and treatment that will eliminate leaks to groundwateraquifers. Methane gas and collection and utilization must also be appliedat Russayfa landfill.7. Industrial wastewater treatment facilityA central facility that is responsible to properly treat wastewater generatedfrom industries, the effects and needs of this treatment have beenthoroughly discussed previously.8. Red-Dead CanalThe desalinization plant is expected to be functional in 2022. This is acanal connecting the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. Downstream- at the DeadSea- a desalinization plant that will supply Jordan with 500 MCM peryear of desalinated water will be built. The electricity needed for pump-43

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRing and desalinization will be generated by hydroelectric turbines thatutilize a 600 meter head.9. Disi water projectThe Disi conveyer is a 325 km pipe that should be functional in 2013.Disi is a huge fossil water aquifer in the south eastern desert. A conveyerpipe is being built to supply Amman with 100 MCM of freshwater peryear.DISCUSSIONFigure 13 Illustrative diagram of a SWOT analysisThe Zarqa River degradation process took more than 60 years, mainlybecause of issues associated with population growth that exceeded sustainablecapacity of the basin. Rehabilitating the river is a complex issuethat will require a multi disciplinary approach and financial resources.Urbanization, high demand on resources, and pollution led to the currentsituation of the river. The Zarqa river rehabilitation is vital and isrecognized on a national level.SWOT analysis will help to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,and threats For the Zarqa River rehabilitation with the proposed mitigationmeasures. An illustration of SWOT analysis criteria is presented inFigure 16. SWOT analysis would also give a better differentiation betweenrealistic approaches, acceptable to the community, and feasibleoptions.SWOT analysis of the Zarqa River Rehabilitation programStrengths• Creation of a river committee, the priority of this committee is torevive the Zarqa River sustain its wellbeing.• Better projects outcomes through more public involvement in decisionmaking, there will be a possibility to address stakeholdersneeds in the decision making process.44

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management• Enhanced water quality leading to a healthier ecosystem and increasedbiodiversity (birds, Aquatic ecosystems, and mammals).Better water quality should also enhance land productivity andcultivated crops quality.• Clear goals and actions eliminating ambiguity through setting clearagendas serving a common good for the inhibitors of the basin.• Actions decided on, have no uncertainty of their outcome. Theoutcomes are environmentally safe and have no environmentalburdens what so ever.• Increase human interaction with nature through recreational sitesand public participation.Weaknesses• Cause nuisances to the river users from potential future limits onwater use especially the agricultural sector.• Funds allocation will lead to increase burdens on users and citizens.• High cost for rehabilitation and sustaining the project financially.• Large number of organizations and administrative bodies involvedin the river restoration, these organizations has different goalsand targets to meet which will lead to conflict of interest andmight impede some projects.• There are no fast results; the returns will need time to be proven,in addition to no direct return from the river rehabilitation thatcould be measured in monetary values.Opportunities• After success of the rehabilitation, lessons learned and applied scientificalknowledge would act as a pilot project for other surfacewater bodies in Jordan and arid countries.• Attraction of more migratory birds that favor cleaner watersources.• Capacity building for governmental employees that will lead toenhanced performance of involved ministries/authorities in thefuture.• Employment opportunities, communities surrounding the riverwill have many opportunities, most importantly in areas wheremonitoring is needed due to improper solid waste disposal. Increaseopportunities of employment for citizens and nationalfirms involved in the rehabilitation project.• Increased human interaction with wildlife through the increase ofbio diversity.• Promote ecotourism.• Provide better sanitary services and water networks for villages inthe process of pollution minimization. Most importantly, the villages/townsthat have no sewerage networks.• Provide economical opportunities for local firms in the rehabilitationprocess.45

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRThreats• Administrative entities might try to avoid conducting reclamationprojects to cut costs and shift them to other governmental agenciesor upstream leading to hindering the outcome.• Allocated funds for capacity building can be misplaced throughnepotism that might cause further harassment to qualified personnel.• Conflict between stakeholders over the use of the river’s water orgroundwater.• Loss of funds if the outcome fails to meet expectations.• Sustaining capabilities developed through capacity building;trained employees might get better jobs and move to work forthe private sector.• Winter floods might destroy constructed wetlands and dams.CONCLUSIONThe main focus of the mitigation measures are decreased pollution inflow,decreased groundwater use, and other temporary measures. Theproposed mitigation measures will lead a healthier ecosystem which willincrease biodiversity and revive flora and fauna habitats.Main reclamation focuses and suggested interventionsThe main categories of a comprehensive rehabilitation should implement5 types of action focuses; pollutants minimization, flow restoration, improvementsof urban water infrastructure, sustainable agricultural, andecosystem restoration. The proposed mitigation measures do not conflictwith the official rehabilitation plan, they can be implemented if morefunds are secured for the rehabilitation project.1. Pollutant minimization:The sources of pollutants are identified; pollutants are to be minimizedby MOE emergency plan (Appendix F). Additional intervention is requiredby municipalities and counties to decrease the effect of unidentifiedpolluters. The Summary of suggested actions is attached in AppendixF.• Optimizing wastewater treatment plants effluentsSince in this case treated wastewater is a vital component of the river.Optimization of quality of effluent is essential to reduce demand ongroundwater as being a cheaper source and will make it possible to be amanagement asset for flow restoration.• Eliminating improper solid waste disposalTaking action to eliminate improper solid waste disposal into the river,since the areas of easy access are identified. Monitoring points or installationof cameras is essential for enforcing violators not to keep doing it.• Greywater reuseGrey water can be used for many applications limiting their discharge intothe river. The Municipality of greater Amman will enforce high-risebuildings to have a system for greywater collection and utilization (MWI,2009). This can be applied throughout the basin through campaigns andseminars.46

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management• Restoration of wetlandsWetlands can be reconstructed around the river to serve as recreationalsites and reduce nutrient flow. Wetlands can be used to treat farm drainageby connecting the drainage system of several farms to a close wetland.It will serve as an educational tool, recreational site, and a mitigationmeasure for the river.• Proper brine disposal15%-25% of the desalinated water is disposed as brine, so improper disposal/treatmentwould have a degrading effect. Regulations for brine deposalshould be implemented before the use of desalinization plants growand cause more problems in the river. Brine (TDS > 100,000 mg/l) disposalmentioned earlier from Ain Ghazal plant is inappropriate, brineshould be either transported to a proper facility or dried in artificialponds, where later the residue is land filled or discharged in the Dead sea(MWI, 2009). As mentioned earlier in this report, the number of desalinizationplants in the basin is unknown, but there is a vision of using brackishwater wells and springs for municipal supply (MWI 2007). Additionally,upper cretaceous freshwater aquifers are turning brackish due to overexploitation of groundwater and irrigation return flows (MWI 2001b).2. Flow restorationThis part is challenging, it will require much planning for reducing wateruse while trying to increase freshwater flow in the river. The key lies indecreasing groundwater extraction to an amount that will raise the watertable which will revive springs and support ecosystems. Jordanians arehighly dependent on groundwater, while decreasing consumption mightnot be viable to the extent needed. Based on official data, the sustainableextraction rate is crossed by more than 50 MCM per year (MWI, 2009;Al-Afayfeh et al., 2006). Finding a substitute to compensate this whiletaking into consideration future developments is very challenging andrequires significant investments in the water sector.MWI is willing to buy wells in the highlands of the basin at market pricesto terminate them (MWI, 2009). Other measures are also being studied,most importantly; Exchange of treated wastewater with groundwater, incentivesfor not using groundwater, well buyouts, and strict limits forgroundwater extraction and surface water use.For the next decade, there are two major projects aiming to supply waterfor Amman; Disi conveyer and Red-Dead Canal. These projects will decreasethe amount of groundwater withdrawn in the basin leading tosprings revived and enhanced aquifer quality. Decreasing groundwaterpumping via legislations or limitation should also lead to raising the watertable thus more water to the river.Flow restoration is essential for meeting demands and to keep an environmentalflow to restore and sustain ecosystems. The ideal situation isto maximize freshwater input, but water sources are degraded while thegood quality water is either diverted to villages or used by consumers.The key solution would be enhancing effluent quality of Khirbet As Samra.Other mitigation measures might be used, some of the suggestedactions are mentioned below.There is an action set by MOE and IUCN for cleaning up sub catchments;this should lead to increased flow in storm events. More rain har-47

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRvesting should be taken into account, whether for release in the river, agriculture,or groundwater recharge.• Importing water to the basinThe basins that are not suffering from over abstraction are pointed onFigure 17. These basins are; Disi, Wadi Sarhan, and Wadi Hammad.These basins could be used for importing water to the Zarqa River basinwhile building more desert dams to increase water harvesting.This will lead to decreasing pressure on the groundwater especially formunicipal supply. While decreasing groundwater extraction will lead toreplenishing springs and raising the water table. Water is being importedfrom outside the basin such as Hisban and Disi.Water imported from outside the basin will substantially increase. In2013, 100 MCM a year will be conveyed from Disi aquifer and 500 MCMwill be desalinated from the Red Sea in 2022. The Infrastructure of theDisi conveyer could also transport more water if needed; it is close to theGulf of Aqaba where there are more plans for desalinization plants there.Other than these two projects there are other basins that are still underthe sustainable extraction rate.• Rainwater harvestingThe harvested rain water can be used for Irrigation or groundwater rcharge. This is very viable in especially in the Upper Dhuleil area where ithave multiple benefits such as using the water for either irrigation orgroundwater recharge and this will avoid runoff water to get polluted bygoing to Khirbet As Samra. The sum of water falling onto the Dhuleilarea is estimated to be 6.5 MCM, the amount harvested is estimated tobe 3.5 MCM (Al-Afayfeh et al, 2006). This water can be stored to beused in summer for irrigation, used for artificial recharge, or used tomaintain an environmental flow in the river.• Cleanup campaigns:Some of the channels and sub basins might be clogged or closed down.Clearing these channels will be vital for increasing river’s freshwater flowFigu re 17 Groundwater basins in Jordan. Source ( MWI,2009)48

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Managementand eliminate the threat of these wastes to be flushed during stormevents. Campaigns can be carried out with no cost burden on official entities;campaigns could be carried out through schools, boys scout association,CBO’s, and NGO’s for cleaning up solid waste deposits alongthe river or in catchment areas.3. Improvements of urban water infrastructureImprovements in infrastructure of cities, towns, and villages are requiredespecially for decreasing sewage leakages to decrease pollutants. Thereare plans for parallel sewerage lines to avoid sewage overflows. A bigportion of Amman is built on Vertisoils. Vertisoils swell in the winterand shrink in the summer causing subsurface networks to break causingmixture of sewer and drinking water. Additionally, pipe networks in majorcities are old. They are made of steel or cast iron that got corrodedcausing leaks (Al-Afayfeh et al, 2006).This solution has a very high cost burden, but it is essential. Taking intoregards the billions of dollars allocated for water projects are beingwasted in subsurface leaks and corroded pipes, it will be viable rehabilitatingthese networks. The pipes in major cities are old, steel or cast ironpipes a can be replaced by Polyethylene or ductile cast iron pipes (Al-Afayfeh et al, 2006). These will not corrode and are more flexible to tolerateshrinking and swelling of the soil.4. Sustainable agricultureAgriculture is the biggest water consumer in the basin. Agricultural activitiesuse more than 60% of all the water in Jordan while contributingto less than 5% of the national GDP (Abu-Sharar & Battikhi, 2002).The focus of solution for this part would be to minimize water demandfor agriculture. This could be achieved by; using water efficient irrigationsystems such as drip irrigation, growing crops that require less water, usingtreated wastewater instead of freshwater.Limits of groundwater abstraction per area must be applied to restrictthe use of groundwater for agriculture. Currently there are no programsor legislations for agricultural water use, but some criteria must be set fordecreasing agricultural use such as limits for amount of groundwaterpumped per hectare of cultivated land.The utilization of wastewater is essential because of the scarcity of freshwater sources in Jordan (FAO, 2001). Strict policies must be applied dueto environmental and health aspects associated with using wastewater.When introducing wastewater into the water demand, it is essential toinvestigate its effect on groundwater and soils to ensure the preservationof these resources. Treated wastewater should also be considered for therecharge of aquifers. This would save fresh aquifers from turning brackishand at appropriate soil types and depths, the quality should enhancewhile percolating down the soil naturally.More efficient irrigation systems are required and should be encouragedthrough tax break or incentives. Over irrigating of crops should be minimized.Irrigating more than the evapotranspiration is favored to avoidsoil salinization, this must be done in a scientific way to avoid losing fertilesoils and wasting water. Public awareness programs and calculatedwater demands are essential to farmers to optimize water consumption.The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) suggests that untreatedwastewater should not be used to produce food, but it may be used forinedible applications. Health effects on users need to be taken into ac-49

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRcount and proper protection measures must be enforced. Currently thereare no mandatory rules for that. This is essential for decreasing directrisks to human health. For current and future users, protective clothingmust be used when dealing with partially treated or untreated wastewaterto assure the safety of public health.The interrelated actions carried out by authorities, specifically the Ministryof Water & Irrigation and the Jordan Valley Authority to encouragethe proper use of reclaimed waste water. These authorities provide properguidance to farmers regarding on-farm water management, Controlfecal contamination, apply discharge standards, and scheduling irrigationtimes and amounts (USAID, 2005).5. Update industrial discharge regulations (If the plant is not constructed)The current options of disposal of industrial water effluents are discussedin Chapter 7. If the industrial wastewater treatment plant is notimplemented an upgrade of the system might be required to enhance thegeneral outcome of industrial effluents discharge. An upgraded system isto issue a permit to each factory independently. This will give a chance toassess each factory independently and give recommendations for reductionsbased on the type of industry. Pulp industry effluents would varymore than petrochemicals industry effluents or steel industry effluents.This would also make it easier to assess the possibility of recycling thewater in the factory leading to a substantial decrease of the industrialdemand. This should also encourage some industries to carry onsitetreatment or to comply with discharge criteria or maybe have a commonpretreatment facility for more than one factory to avoid additional costsfrom non-compliance. It will also provide more accurate criteria for industriesto comply with their required standards.6. Ecosystem restorationEcosystems will be restored when the flow quality is enhanced, wetlandsare reconstructed, and the river’s surroundings are revegitated.Enhancing the river’s flow quality, this can be achieved by the following:• These measures can be implemented by small scale systems.‐ Aeration: Aeration is essential to increase dissolved Oxygencontent. Aeration could be done by damming.Rubber dams are suggested for the Zarqa River becausein winter time, where the flow becomes more viscousand loaded with sediments, these dams can be removed.‐ Wetlands: wetlands can be restored or constructed. Wetlands have acceptable results in reducing nutrient loads,but in this case they can also serve as educational andrecreational sites.‐ Small scale desalinization plants that run on Hydropoweror Solar power.Plans should be dedicated for minimizing the effects and mitigationmeasures could be viable for solving these problems. JICA suggestedhaving a hydro power dam at Der Alla (downstream from KTD). Theelevation at the KTD outlet is 174 meters, while elevation at Der Alla is300 meters below sea level (Abu-Sharar & Battikhi 2002). The energygenerated from this head should be enough to operate some desalinizationplants along the Zarqa River (JICA, 1995; Abu-Sharar & Battikhi50

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management2002). This will relief the pressure on groundwater extraction and enhancesthe river’s quality and could contribute to municipal supply.• On-farm drainage control & utilization: to reduce flow of fertilizersand pesticides into the river.• In-channel treatment: vegetate the channel using special speciesthat absorb pollutants and provide habitat for fauna species.Floating plants such as Water Velvet and Duckweed can be installedin static location in addition to planting Reed beds(common reed in indigenous), Vetiveria Zizanoides, Reeds, D.Sagittaria and A. Caroliniana at any locations along the river(Khammash, 2009).• River edge vegetation: planting indigenous flora species along theriver to provide habitat for fauna species and to contribute torecreational scenery. Most common indigenous flora speciesthat will tolerate the elevated pollution level are : pine , poplar,Typha, and tamarix (Khammash, 2009)7. Artificial groundwater rechargeThe challenge is in finding economically viable option for the recharge ofaquifers to prevent further degradation. Recharging groundwater aquiferswould replenish the vegetation cover on the long run increasing biodiversity.An additional advantage of groundwater recharge would beavoiding subsidence. The cheapest sources for artificial recharge wouldbe harvested rainwater and treated wastewater. If wastewater effluentsare not hazardous, the unused excess can be used for artificial recharge.Final remarksTo secure the kingdom’s needs of water relies first in securing existingwater resources from degradation and reviving our existing resources beforeseeking new alternatives. This concept got clear and should be prioritizedin the sense of allocating funds for water projects. The successof the Zarqa river restoration is a vivid launch of the era of protectingour water resources. But some of the impacts of degradation might notbe reversible, most obvious are human health deterioration and loss ofbiodiversity (IdRC, 2006; MOE, 2008).By analyzing national consumption, the viable solution and cheapest solutionwould be to stop water subsidies on agriculture and promote industrialactivities. The agricultural sector, which consumes around 65%of the water, holds only 4% of the GDP share of the country, while theindustrial sector consumes 4% of the water and forms 30% of the GDP.But, the need of Jordan to develop its own food supply is vital for survival.The region witnessed many wars, serious political conflicts, anddramatic regime changes neighboring countries that have a direct effecton Jordan, so the urge of self dependence on food production is a priorityto be able to survive when political eruptions or conflicts that are anticipatedoccur.There are two national water supply projects (Red-Dead Canal & Disiwater project) that will supply vast quantities of drinking water. Thesetwo projects would help the basin by decreasing extraction of groundwaterwells that could be utilized in the basin or replenish dried springs thatwill discharge into the river. The two projects are to be implemented andtheir future benefits would be vital for the survival of the Zarqa River.Rehabilitation is not impossible; it will require long time that is initiallyestimated to be not less than 10 years (IdRC 2006; MWI 2009) and significantfinancial resources. Other complex processes will require part-51

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRnership of public and private sectors to accomplish an outstanding outcomeof the project. The Zarqa River rehabilitation will gain public supportthrough empowerment of civil society organizations at all levels andconsultations with locals through seminars that were held earlier and willbe taking place throughout all the phases of the project. The success ofthe rehabilitation would be a step forward for reclamation of other riversin similar climates. The lessons learned from this project will add up toknowledge from other reclamation projects providing more confidenceto launch more reclamation projects.REFERENCESAbdulla, F & Al-Omary, F. 2008. Impact of climate change on themonthly runoff of a semi-arid catchment: case study Zarqa River basin(Jordan).Journal of Applied Biological Sciences 2(1): 43-50.Abdulla, F, Al-Omari, A, Al-Quraan, S, Al-salihi, A. 2008. A Water ManagementSupport System for Amman-Zarqa Basin In Jordan. SpringerScience and Business Media 23(15):3165-3189Abu-sharar T, Battikhi, A. 2002. Water Resource Management UnderCompetitive Sectoral Demand A Case Study From Jordan. Water International27(3): 364-378Al-afayfeh N, Al-bakri J, Naber, S, Shammout M, Shatanawi, M. 2006.Optimization for Sustainable Water Resources Management. EnvironmentalSoftware and Services GMBH Austria.Alawi, A & Haddadin, M. 2004. Dead Populations of Fish in The RiversJordan And Zarqa. Biological Conservation. 6(3): 215-216.B & E Engineers 2008. Zarqa River Basin Wastewater And Solid WasteTreatment Projects. Project document, submitted to Ministry of Environmentof the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.Barham N, Karmame K, Nortcliff S, Potter, R. 2009 “Ever-GrowingAmman”, Jordan : Urban Expansion, Social Polarization, And ContemporaryUrban Planning Issues. Habitat International. 33: 81-92.Bou-zeid, E. and El-Fadel, M. 2002. Climate change & water resourcesin Lebanon and the Middle East. Journal of Water Resources Planning andManagement.128:343-353.El-Naqa, A & Hammouri, N. 2008. Drought Assessment Using Gisand Remote Sensing In Amman-Zarqa Basin, Jordan. Research by,The Hashemite University. Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment.Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 2001. Experience of FAOon Wastewater Reuse in The Near-East Region.Fayyad, M. and Shatanawi, M. 1996. Effects of Khirbet As-SamraTreated Effluent on the Quality Of Irrigation Water In The CentralJordan Valley. El Sevier Science ltd, Water Resource 30(12):2915-2920.German Technical commission (GTZ) 2004. Water resources in Jordan.Commissioned by German Technical Cooperation and Ministry of Water and Irrigationof the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.Hamdi, M & Mrayyan, B. 2005. Management Approaches To IntegratedSolid Waste In Industrialized Zones In Jordan: A Case of Zarqa city.Waste Management 26(2):195–205.Interdisciplinary Research Consultants (IdRC). 2006. The IntegratedEnvironmental Management of The Zarqa River. Project document,submitted to the Ministry of Environment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.52

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management.تارتسالا/‏http://www.moenv.gov.jo/arabicmoe/EditorDocumentspdf‏.ءاقرزلا‎20‎‏%ليس‎20‎‏%ليهأت‎20‎‏%ةداعإل‎20‎‏%ةماعلا‎20‎‏%ةيجيInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 2009. ZarqaRiver Basin Rapid Rural Appraisal. Project document, submitted toMinistry of Environment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. [In Arabic].http://www.moenv.gov.jo/arabicmoe/EditorDocuments/Zarqa%20Basin%20RRA%20Report%20Finalwebsite.pdfInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 2009b. ZarqaRiver Intervention Scheme. Project document, submitted to Ministryof Environment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan [in arabic].Japanese International cooperation Agency (JICA). 1995. Final ReportOn Brackish Groundwater Desalinization in Jordan. Project document,submitted to the Ministry of Water and Irrigation of the HashemiteKingdom of Jordan.Ministry of Environment (MOE). 2007. Emergency Action Plan forThe Zarqa River. [In Arabic]. Project document for the Ministry of Environmentof the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.لا‎20‎‏%ةطخ/‏http://www.moenv.gov.jo/arabicmoe/EditorDocumentspdf‏.يبرع‎20-%20‎‏%ءاقرزلا‎20‎‏%ليسل‎20‎‏%ةيموكحلا‎20‎‏%ئراوطMinistry of Environment(MOE). 2008. Zarqa River Basin RehabilitationProject. Project Implementation and Monitoring Framework. Projectdocument for the Ministry of Environment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.Ministry of Environment (MOE). 2008b. The Restoration and EconomicDevelopment Of The Zarqa River Basin in Jordan. Ministry ofEnvironment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI). 2001. Characterization ofWastewater Effluent in The Amman-Zarqa Basin. Ministry of Waterand Irrigation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.Ministry of Water and Irrigation(MWI). 2001b. Assessment of PotentialUse of Brackish Water for M&I Supply in Amman Zarqa Basin. Ministryof Water and Irrigation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.Ministry of Water and Irrigation(MWI). 2007. Water budget of the year2007 [In Arabic]. Ministry of Water and Irrigation of the Hashemite Kingdomof Jordan.Ministry of Water and Irrigation. 2009. Jordan’s water strategy 2008-2022.http://www.semide.net/media_server/files/J/6/JO_Water-Strategy09.pdfEconomic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). 2005.ESCWA Water Development Report 1, The Vulnerability of The Regionto Socio-Economic Drought. The United Nations (UN).Preul, H. 1997. Case study XII- Kingdom of Jordan. United Nations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP), The Water Supply And Sanitation CollaborativeCouncil And The World Health Organization.United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 2005.Water efficiency and public information for action (WEPIA) program2000-2005.53

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWROTHER REFERENCES:Arab Environment Watch (AEW), 2006Accessed March, 2009http://www.arabenvironment.net/arabic/archive/2006/12/130946.htmlFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, 2003.Review of World Water Resources by Country,Accessed May 2009http://www.fao.org/nr/water/aquastat/countries/jordan/index.stmFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2009- World Water Resourcesby CountryAccessed June, 2009http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y4473e/y4473e08.htmFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2008.AQUASTAT-Country ProfileAccessed April, 2009http://www.fao.org/nr/water/aquastat/countries/jordan/index.stmGlobal Water Partnership-GWP in action report 2004http://www.gwpforum.org/gwp/library/GWPinAction2004.pdfAccesses on June, 2009Interview with Mr. Batir Wardam. 2009. Project Coordinator at the Ministryof Environment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,3/4/2009Interview with Mr. Mufleh Abbadi. 2009. Project Manager at InternationalUnion for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 7/4/2009Khammash, A Flora of Jordan. 2009.Accessed on June, 2009www.jordanflora.comU.S Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). 2009. The World Factbook, JordanCountry ProfileAccessed on July, 2009https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/jo.html54

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementAPPENDICESAppendix A: Effluent Quality of Khirbet As Samra Wastewater TreatmentPlant(1999)Appendix B: Effluent Quality of Jerash Wastewater TreatmentPlant(1999)Appendix C: Anticipated Effluent Quality of Al-Mirad WastewaterTreatment PlantAppendix D: Effluent Quality of Baq’a Wastewater TreatmentPlant(1999)Appendix E: Effluent Quality of Abu-Nuseir Wastewater TreatmentPlant(1999)Appendix F: Ministry of Environment Emergency Action plan.Appendix G: IUCN Intervention PlanAppendix H: B&E Engineers suggested interventions according to signicanceAppendix I: River Monitoring Stations readings55

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRAppendix AEffluent quaity of Khirbet As Samra. Values are the average of measurementstaken in 1999.Source (MWI, 2001)56

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementAppendix BEffluent Quality of Jerash wastewater treatment plant. Values are the averageof measurements taken in 1999.Source (MWI, 2001)57

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRAppendix CExpected effluents of Al-Mirad (Jerash West).Source (MWI, 2001)58

Zarqa River Rehabilitation and Sustainable ManagementAppendix DEffluent quality of Baq’a treatment plant of the year 1999Source (MWI, 2001)59

Issa Al-WerTRITA LWRAppendix EAbu-Nuseir treatment plant effluent qualitySource (MWI, 2001)60

Appendix FMinistry of Environment intermediate restoration plan(Unofficial translation by Issa Al-Wer)Source: (MOE, 2007)pollution source Immediate action Authorities responsible in caseof an emergencyPrecautionary measures forlimiting the problemFormation of a community tolocate violators and solve theproblem by proper connectionwith the sewerage networksTime frameAuthorities involved for the precautionarymeasures- Jordan Water Authority-Municipality of greater Amman and\orresponsible municipalities-Environmental PoliceMinistry of Water & Irrigation1-Waste water dischargedinto the river by:a- Illegal expansion ofsewage & storm waternetworksPlowing the river course to prevent waterstagnationdisposal of waste water in a way that doesn’taffect the public health & the environmentGreater Amman Municipalityand\or other responsiblemunicipalities-Ministry of Water & IrrigationDiversion of running pollutedwater to Ain Ghazal stationtemporarily until finding a longterm solutionFebruary-June2007In the dry seasonSpraying with suitable pesticides Involved municipalitiesIntensifying monitoring of the River’s passage -Ministry of Environment-Ministry of Water & Irrigation-Ministry of Health-Ministry of Agricultureb- Flooding of septic tanksdisposal areas within theriver especially the mainseptic tank disposal in AinGhazal-Taking immediate actions to stop the flow &notification of responsible authorities when ithappens.-proper disposal of waste water in ways thatdoesn’t affect the public health & environment-constant spraying with suitable pesticidesAn establishment of a companion reserve linefrom West Zarqa septic tank disposal stationto Khirbet As Samra Waste Water TreatmentPlant of a length of 21 km and diameter1500mm (cost of 25million JOD) (in case ofestablishment of the proposed treatmentplant, there is no need for this line)-Ministry of Water & irrigationwith collaboration with stakeholdersStudy for an establishment of acompanion line reaching toKhirbet As Samra Waste WaterTreatment plant of a length of 39km and a diameter of 1500mm(estimated cost 50 million JOD)Depending on theavailability ofallowances fromthe Ministry ofFinance or otherdonorsMinistry of Water & IrrigationMinistry of Water & IrrigationStudy of establishment of atreatment plant that the water willreach there by naturalflow(estimated cost 127 millionJOD)Depending on theavailability ofallowances fromthe Ministry ofFinance or otherdonors-Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Water &irrigation with collaboration with stakeholdersStudy of establishment of acarrier body of dimension 3x3 mto transport waste water fromWest Zarqa & Ain Ghazal stationto the proposed plantDepending on theavailability ofallowances fromthe Ministry ofFinance or otherdonorsDepending on theavailability ofMinistry of Water & IrrigationRehabilitation of Amman’s sewernetworks (estimated cost 16.5Ministry of Water & IrrigationTRITA-LWR Degree ProjectISSN 1651-064XISRN LWR-EX-09-32

million JOD)Speed up in the expansion andincreasing load of West Zarqapumping stationallowances fromthe Ministry ofFinance or otherdonorsAccording to theplan of JordanWater AuthorityMinistry of Water & IrrigationRehabilitation storm drains inAmman and Zarqa to avoidmixing of storm water withsewageDepending onallowance availabilityResponsible municipalitiesEstablishment of a study for theassessment of the sewer networksin the Amman-Zarqa BasinDepending onallowance availabilityMinistry of Environment in collaboration withthe Ministry of Water & IrrigationStudy of alternative suitableoptions for the Ain Ghazal septicdisposal facilityStarting February2007Ministry of Environment in collaboration withthe Ministry of Water & Irrigationc- Flooding of sewer networksTaking immediate actions in case of clogging& notification of stake holders immediatelyMinistry of Water & Irrigationwith collaboration with stakeholdersExecution of a monitoring programfor sewer networksOngoing & roundthe clock-Ministry of Water & Irrigation-Environmental police in collaboration withMinistry of EnvironmentContinuation of monitoring of leaks & problemsolving-Ministry of Water & Irrigation-Ministry of Environment withcollaboration with stakeholdersStudy of finding better materialsof network accessories & inletsdue to theft of the iron partsFebruary 2007Ministry of Water & IrrigationWarning junk dealers & scrapmetal dealers to notify in case ofsomeone tries to sell these partsFebruary 2007Ministry of Environment in collaboration withlocal authoritiesStudy of enhancement of maintenanceservices for the transmissionline between Ain Ghazalstation and Al Samra TreatmentPlantDuring 2007Ministry of Water & Environment in collaborationwith the company that is running theplantExecution of a full awarenessprogram to all segments of thesociety of a cost of 100,000 JOD2007-2008 Ministry of Environment in collaboration withstakeholdersRegular maintenance of sewernetworks and getting backupdevices for locations close to theriverContinuousMinistry of Water & IrrigationEnforcing current legislations continuous Different stakeholders according to theirresponsibilitiesd-Flow from AmmanSlaughter houseEnhancement of the drainage system and&management of waste waterMunicipality of Greater AmmanMonitoring for leaks continuous -Ministry of Environment-Environmental Police62Establishment of a new slaughterhouseFrom 2007Municipality of Greater Amman

2- Waste disposal ofFactories, workshops,excess building material,car wash lots, tires & tiremaintenance shops,municipal solid waste3- cultivation of crops thatare not allowed to beirrigated from the river’swater4-spread of diseases,insects & pests5-river flooding on inhabitantsliving adjacent to theriver6-pollution of drinkingwater sources adjacent tothe riverTake legal actions against violatorsTransportation of waste to disposal sites onthe expense of the violatorImmediate destruction of crops and takinglegal action against violatorsExecution of emergency procedures for eachcaseDifferent stake holders accordingto specializationMinistry of environment incollaboration with differentstakeholderResponsible authority incollaboration with local lawenforcementMinistry of health and stakeholdersStudy for the possibility of movingkiln, tiles &stone works factoriesthat are on the river bed tospecialized areasMaking & executing a monitoringprogramFebruary 2007continuousMinistry of Environment with collaboration ofinvolved municipalities\countiesMinistry of Environment in collaboration withstakeholdersTaking action against violators continuous Ministry of environment through administrativeofficialsConducting a survey to identifythe campus of the riverDuring 2007 Department of Lands & SurveysEstablishing a periodical maintenanceand plowing schemeCollecting dumped tires andhandling them to recyclingfactoriesPlowing the river’s bed to avoidswamps-Establishing control & checkuptours-forbidding cultivation of all cropsexcept for fodder crops-forbidding collecting and storingwater for the use of irrigationexcept for fodder crops-Cleaning & plowing of the river'sbanks-periodical spraying with appropriatepesticidesProper actions to save life & property Civil defense forces Evacuation of residents residingin improper housingProhibition of use of these sources-Ministry of Health-Ministry of Environment-Ministry of Water & Irrigation-protection of water sources-continuous monitoring of waterresourcesPeriodically afterthe rainy seasonperiodicallyPeriodicallythroughout the yearcontinuousperiodicalBefore rainyseasonscontinuousMunicipality of Greater Amman and otherinvolved municipalitiesInvolved municipalitiesInvolved municipalities-Ministry of Agriculture-ministry of Health-Environmental police-committees of public healthInvolved municipalitiesAdministrative officials-Ministry of Health-Ministry of Environment-Ministry of Water & Irrigation63

Appendix GIUCN intervention plan, approved February 2008.(Unofficial translation – Issa Al-Wer)Source: (IUCN, 2009b)Site Issue(s) or Cases Action(s) Partners/StakeholdersAmman Slaughter house to Ain Ghazal facilityBeginning of Amman – Zarqa highwayRussayfa Wells & agricultural areas-Stagnant pools-inconsistent Stream lining-improper solid waste disposal-Presence of Sewage water and slaughterhouse-Solid waste-Sewer leakage-Agricultural problems-Overuse of water resources-Accumulation of solid waste & buildingmaterial-Removal of solid waste-Decontamination-Plowing river’s bed & lining-supervision programs-Removal of solid waste-Decontamination-Plowing river’s bed & lining-supervision programs-Removal of solid waste-Plowing river’s bed & lining-supervision programs-Promoting sustainable agriculture-Water use awareness-Municipality of Greater Amman-Slaughter house-Ministry of Water & Irrigation-Ministry of Health-Municipality of Greater Amman-Local community-Local commercial firms-Farmers-Jordan Water Authority-Rusayfa Municipality-Private well ownersAl-Forkan School, RusayfaWells at Al-Zawahre districtConveyer siphon at Al-Zawahre districtAlSukhna, Hashmeyyeh and Khirbeh village-Accumulation of solid waste & buildingmaterial-Sewer flooding-Inadequate solid waste handling-Planting using wastewater-Problems associated from the pumpingstation-Occlusion of the river’s flow-Remnants of wastewater-Agriculture on shallow wells-No sewage networks-Removal of solid waste-Plowing river’s bed & lining-Awareness campaigns-Removal of solid waste-Plowing river’s bed & lining-Sustainable agriculture-Monitoring schemes-Solve the problem of occlusion-Monitoring scheme for the station-Health & water awareness-Promotion of sustainable agriculture-Establishment of sewer networks64-Al-Forkan school-Rusayfa municipality-Civil society-Zarqa municipality-Zarqa county-Farmers-Ministry of Health-Ministry of Agriculture-Local schools-Local NGOs-Zarqa Municipality-Civil society-Municipalities-Alsukhneh Women Association-Civil societyKhirbet As Samra surroundings -problems associated with dense farming -Promotion of sustainable agriculture -Khirbet As Samra treatment plant

Gnayya village to Tawaheen AlAdwanTawaheen AlAdwan to Faisal NurseryProblems associated from incorporatingdifferent cropping systems-Agricultural Fiefdom-Small land ownership-Surface water over pumping-picnickers-Monitoring Quality & water uses-promoting sustainable agriculture-Monitoring program-Promotion of sustainable agriculture-Creation of recreational spotsFaisal nursery to King Talal Dam problems associated with dense farming -Promotion of sustainable agriculture-Monitoring Quality & water uses-Farmers-Ministry of Health-Ministry of Agriculture-Factories-Poultry farms-Farmers-Ministry of Agriculture-Ministry of Health-Farmers-Civil society-Agricultural private sector-Faisal nursery-Olive press facilities-Jerash wastewater treatment plant-the Dam’s personnel65

Appendix HSummary of actions required for short, medium, and long termSource: (B&E, 2006)From further study of different approaches and problem identifications, three main types ofactions are needed; Immediate, medium term, and long-term. The medium term and long-termactions would be preventive, taking into consideration future expansion and load on the environment.For all terms the action, whether it was immediate, medium term, or long term is sitespecific and must be appointed by the appropriate stakeholder agenda. The action, dependingon the problem, could need infrastructure construction/manipulation, reclamation, or institutionalimprovements in order to ameliorate waste handling and disposal and minimize raw sewageleakages.Type of Action Site Problem(s) generated Main characteristicsImmediate (2-4 years) :,could need infrastructure construction/manipulation,reclamation, or institutionalimprovements in order to amelioratewaste handling & disposal and minimizeraw sewage leakages.Amman-Zarqa bridge toWest Zarqa pumpingstationMeeting point of the twostreams-a- results in discharge of raw sewage directlyto the river-b-leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-c-May result in disposal of solid wastes in theriver bed. They may also generate smallquantities of hazardous waste/wastewater thatif not managed properly is a potential pollutionsource-d-these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsource.-b-leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-a-Periodic sewer overflowsinto the river-b-Less than adequatesolid waste management-c-High number of smallindustries & other pollutionsources-d-Location of industries-b-Less than adequatesolid waste managementOutskirts of Russayfa(Yajouz bridge to Amman-Zarqa bridge)-b-leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-c-May result in disposal of solid wastes in theriver bed. They may also generate smallquantities of hazardous waste/wastewater thatif not managed properly is a potential pollutionsource-b-Less than adequatesolid waste management-c-High number of smallindustries & other pollutionsources-d-Location of industries-d-these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsourceRussayfa-b-leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-d-these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsource-d-Location of industries-b-Less than adequatesolid waste managementTRITA-LWR Degree ProjectISSN 1651-064XISRN LWR-EX-09-32West Zarqa pump stationto Kradlee poultry farms-b-leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-c-May result in disposal of solid wastes in theriver bed. They may also generate smallquantities of hazardous waste/wastewater thatif not managed properly is a potential pollutionb-Less than adequatesolid waste management-c-High number of smallindustries & other pollutionsources

sourceKhirbet As Samra effluentin the wadi- d-these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsource-b-leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-d-Location of industries-b-Less than adequatesolid waste managementMedium term action (4-7 years): Action isrequired for protection from future growthand increased pollutersSite Problem(s) generated Main characteristicsMeeting point of the twostreams to AlSukhnabridgeWadi BeerainAin Ghazal station toRussayfa-a- these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsource-b- leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-a- these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsource-b- leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-c-these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsource-a- these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsource-a-Moderate number ofsmall industries & otherpollution sources-b-Less than adequatesolid waste management-a-Moderate number ofsmall industries & otherpollution sources-b-Less than adequatesolid waste management-c-Location of industries-a-Moderate number ofsmall industries & otherpollution sourcesPepsi pondWadi Elish-d- results in discharge of raw sewage directlyto the river-b- leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-c-these industries generate industrial wastewaterand hazardous wastes that, if not managedappropriately will become a pollutionsource-d-Unsewered refugeecamp (Hitteen)-b-Less than adequatesolid waste management-c-Location of industries-b-Less than adequatesolid waste managementLong-term: (7-10 years): Those sites are not athreat to the river, but long term planning isrequired for infrastructure construction, expansionor rehabilitation, or institutional improvementsin order to assure proper wastewater andsolid waste disposal practices.Around meeting point ofthe two streams-b- leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-b- leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-b-Less than adequatesolid waste managementSite Problem(s) generated Main characteristicsFrom meeting point of thetwo streams to King Talaldam inletMunicipality of GreaterAmman slaughter houseRas Al Ain spring (downtown)to the slaughterhouse-leads to the accumulation of solid wastes inwadis that will eventually be flushed to the riverin the rainy season-easy access in the absence of monitoring-Discharges pollutants periodically-Low flow-Low population-Low number of industries-low number of smallindustries & other polluters-inadequate solid wastemanagement-Source of pollution to theriver-High population-Mostly sewered-Low number of industries-Adequate solid wastemanagement67

Ain Ghazal facility-leaching of chemicals from the washing &maintenance facilities-Low number of industries-Concentration of carwashing & vehicle maintenancefacilities-Mostly sewered-adequate solid wastehandling68

Appendix IWater quality data fot three monitorinh stationsData retrieved from the Environmental Measuring And Research Central Unit (EMARCU) atthe Royal Scientific Society.Amman, Jordan. 200969