Artificial Groundwater Recharge in Faria Catchment A Hydrogeological Study

Faria catchment is classified as arid to semi-arid region without perennial water resources. Wells and springs are the main sources of water, yet these wells and springs do not withstand the entire dry season. So, it was important to find feasible solutions to utilize the surplus storm and spring water which flows to the Jordan Valley. One of the identified feasible solutions might be to artificially recharge the groundwater with the surplus water. Therefore this study is to assist in the establishment of the effect of recharge by floodwater on the groundwater system made up of alluvial and consolidated sediments and karstic limestone in the Faria catchment. The methodology of the work started with collecting and analyzing the data which are needed for establishing the water balances or to define proper locations for artificial recharge. Groundwater and surface water balances were established and the probable volume of artificial recharge was calculated. Moreover the best sites for artificial recharge were located and verified. The use of artificial recharge will make changes in the quantity and quality of the groundwater system. In order to assess these changes, the hydrological and hydro geological properties of the area under study were identified. Within the light of this understanding, the groundwater and surface water balances were established using available data in the area. This was all done in order to establish the reference conditions that can be utilized in quantifying the impacts of artificial recharge on the groundwater resources of the study area. The results were that about 36 MCM is the natural recharge in the upper parts of the catchment against a total catchment recharge of 60.3 MCM. The man made artificial recharge in the upper catchment can contribute about 3.2 MCM. Since the main wadi courses convey the disposal of wastewater and to avoid the negative effects of mixing the wastewater with recharge water, a separation method was proposed to separate the wastewater and to improve the current situation for the groundwater. The Weighted Index Overlay Method (WIOA) was used to determine the most proper locations for artificial recharge structures based on infiltration capacity, slope, and type of aquifer to be recharged and the existence of fractures. The results show that 14% of the total area is very suitable for artificial groundwater recharge. These results were verified by field observations and previous studies and each of them supports the obtained results.