Influence of urbanization on water quality at Wadi Kufranja basin (Jordan)

The effect of urbanization on spring water quality was investigated at Wadi Kufranja basin, Jordan. Twenty-five springs originate from three Upper Cretaceous aquifer systems (Naur, Hummar and Wadi Es-Sir). The discharge from the springs represents the main water source for domestic water supply in the basin. The water quality of nine representative springs in the basin was monitored. Generally, the average electrical conductivity (EC) of the springs fluctuated between 547 and 1030μ S cm−1. The chemical and biological contents of the spring water showed cyclic values due to water consumption and recharge during summer and winter. There was a slight annual increase in EC of about 5%. Nitrate content, reached around 100 mg l−1and faecal coliform bacteria occurred at approximately 100 colonies per 100 ml in some springs. The highly polluted springs are located in the settlement areas of the basin. The cesspools of houses not connected to the sewer system are considered to be the main cause of water pollution. Population increase (growth rate 3•5%) will further accelerate the pollution of spring water and reduce the supply of potable water. It is suggested that the spring water should be chlorinated to immediately eliminate faecal coliform bacteria. Water of different springs is blended to obtain a nitrate content below the maximum permissible limit (45 mg l−1) of drinking-water standards of Jordan. Additionally, chemical and biological investigations show that the Kufranja Treatment Plant (KTP) is overloaded and could pollute the surface water in the basin. The average EC increased from 573 to 742 μ S cm−1after mixing with KTP water. Also, chemical and biological content increased, especially during summer, where no fresh water is available to dilute the treated waste water.