Update to the Model of the Disi-Rum Aquifer System

Abstract

This Report on Stage 4 of the study, sets out the work done on the wellfield optimisation and long term resources management, in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. This is the Final Report and is accompanied by two further reports, covering Stage 1 & 2 (issued in Jan 2018) and Stage 3 (issued in April 2018). Together the three Reports provide the full output of this Consultancy assignment.

As has been noted elsewhere, it is clear that the importance of the regional water resources of the Rum-Saq cannot be overstated. For Jordan, while the major abstraction from the Dubaidib wellfield is underway, there are plans to implement new wellfields at Eshidiya to supply the Jordan Phosphate Mines as well as to the south-west near the Kings Highway, such as at El Hasa and conduct the rehabilitation of the Lajjun wells, all drawing from the resources in the Disi-Rum aquifer. aquifer system.

the following key aspects have been being given careful attention:

• Update the 1995 Scott Wilson groundwater flow model in the context of the similar recent models completed in the Disi-Rum aquifers and comparison of the model results including the key changes in abstraction of the heavily used equivalent Saq system in Saudi Arabia and how the effects of increasing abstraction in the northern Tabuk and region will affect the Dubaidib wellfield in southern Jordan. In addition, as encroachment of wells and potential wellfield (abstracting 47-110MCM) within 25-30km of the Jordan/Saudi border will affect the yield of the Dubaidib wellfield to provide a supply of 100MCM/yr for the duration of the first 25 year concession to 2039 and possibly how far this may be extended into the next 2nd 25 year concession period up to 2065.

• Review of aquifer parameters and abstraction that may have changed over the interventions years, such as recharge and climate change, additional hydrogeological information from new wells completed and changes to abstraction both spatially and temporally.

• Review and extension of the National Water Strategy 2015 to 2025 and interim demand / resource availability to 2065, taking account of the fact the Disi- Amman Conveyance and the Dubaidib wellfield Concession runs to 2039 and the impact on national strategy whether the wellfield might be operated for a further 25 years, till 2065.

Keywords: Disi-Rum Aquifer, re Evaluation of Model, Resources Assessment, Well Field Optimisation, Long Term Resources Balance