The pilot project in the Mujib Basin will exemplify how innovative solutions for societal challenges can be developed through close cooperation between science and practice.
The WaterD2D project focuses on the concept of water security with the task to assess and contribute to water availability in order to align with demand in the long run. Based on the outcomes of the preparatory phase, Mujib Basin is selected as the project pilot area. The study area can be seen in the map below.
Wadi Mujib basin lies in the central part of Jordan with a watershed area of 6727 km2. Two main wadies cross the basin; Wadi al Walah and Wadi Mujib emerge into a single course (i.e., Mujib River). The average rainfall varying from 70 mm to 350 mm from south to north of the basin. It has significantly dropped over the last 30 years and is suffering from extreme events. The total annual discharge of the river is estimated at 84 MCM/y. Mujib dam and Walah Dam with, respectively, reservoir capacities of 30 MCM to store the flood and the base flow and about 8 MCM to be used for artificial recharge for downstream aquifers and irrigated agriculture are constructed. Groundwater is used for domestic purposes in Karak and Madaba cities and other areas (e.g., Amman) and irrigation. The basin hosts many industrial and mining activities like phosphate and potash industry, using respectively about 6 MCM and 12 MCM of water.
Furthermore, the adverse effects of water mismanagement and over-pumping can be seen in this area, where land degradation and flash floods are among the main concerns. The basin needs a comprehensive IWRM plan taking into consideration the climate change effects. The management plan should conclude new strategies for climate change adaptation measures and new water allocation and conservation strategies