Impact of over-pumping on groundwater resources sustainability at Amman Zarqa basin, Jordan: a case study of arid areas affected by Syrian refugees crisis

Jordan is one of the most water-deprived countries worldwide. Groundwater is one of the main water resources in the country, nonetheless, long-term over-pumping, especially from the northern groundwater basin has been severely depleting the groundwater availability. This study evaluates the effects of over-pumping on groundwater quantity at the northeastern part of Amman Zarqa basin (Mafraq region including Zaatari Syrian Refugee Camp). Groundwater data were collected from the literature and the records of the Jordan Ministry of Water and Irrigation. Arcmap software was implemented to construct groundwater level, groundwater flow and aquifer thickness maps. The study area is mainly comprised of two groundwater aquifers, the Basaltic and the Amman Silicified Limestone aquifers. The outcomes of this evaluation indicate a severe decline in groundwater levels reaching up to a range of 1–5 m/year. This decline has led to a deterioration in the whole groundwater system and a noted reduction in the groundwater storage, reflected in the shrinkage of the aquifers' saturated thicknesses.