Recharge of groundwater through multi-stage reservoirs in a desert basin

Artificial recharge of groundwater through geologic formations is of interest in Jordan as it is a proven water resource management technique that increases the efficiency of water use. This paper documents the research conducted into designing a series of small recharge dams on three connected valleys. With 50 potential sites previously screened, the focus was on the final selected location in the Jordanian desert, in which detailed topographical and hydrogeological surveys were used to determine the optimal locations for construction of surface water retention structures. The research produced designs for an integrated system of seven 2.5-m dikes and one 5-m dam with a total potential recharge volume of 500,000 m(3). Once constructed, these multi-stage reservoirs will conserve part of the water being lost and will provide additional groundwater for future use. The research fills a gap in the lack of standard designs that can be expanded and replicated in other areas in Jordan and elsewhere.