Causes and consequences of long-term groundwater overabstraction in Jordan

Abstract In 2017, a comprehensive review of groundwater resources in Jordan was carried out for the first time since 1995. The change levels between 1995 and 2017 found to be dramatic: large declines have been recorded all over country, reaching more than 100 m some areas. most affected areas are those with large-scale groundwater-irrigated agriculture, but that only used public water supply also affected. decrease saturated thickness poses growing threat drinking demand has met from increasingly deeper remote sources, causing higher costs drilling extraction. Groundwater-level contour lines show flow direction completely reversed parts main aquifer. Consequently, previously established conceptual models, such as concept 12 “groundwater basins” often should revised or replaced. Additionally, hydraulic conditions changing confined unconfined; this is likely major driver geogenic pollution heavy metals through leakage overlying bituminous aquitard. Three exemplary case studies presented illustrate discuss causes decline tables (agriculture population growth) how results assessment can on regional scale.