Hydrogeological, hydrochemical and environmental consequences of the extraction of nonrenewable groundwater in Jordan

Abstract

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area, groundwater overdraft has negative impacts and ramifications for not only the groundwater resources themselves but also for other environmental factors and for socio-economic continuity. Jordan is already facing negative consequences, without enough time for reversing the deteriorating situation. Exploitation of nonrenewable groundwater resources worldwide has been driven by increasing supply to household, industrial and agricultural sectors without adequately taking into account social, economic, ecological, geological, environmental and ethical considerations. This study analyses the development of the nonrenewable groundwater resources in Jordan and its consequences, to serve as a case study for what is happening in the MENA area. The consequences of such overexploitation in Jordan can be summarized as follows: declining groundwater levels; mobilization of salt-water bodies; ceasing or decreasing spring discharge; declining biodiversity with many ecological, environmental and socio-economic consequences leading to increasing unemployment and poverty; and land instability in the form of land subsidence and enhanced risk of earthquakes. The study concludes that the impacts and ramifications of overexploiting nonrenewable groundwater resources are generally irreversible, and the measures needed to stop the deteriorating state of groundwater resources are unavailable or unlikely to be implemented within the coming two decades. The question that remains is whether and when human actions can change from those of conquerors, invaders, and raiders to those of friends and lovers of the Earth.