Selecting Suitable Sites for Groundwater Recharge in Jordan Using the Spreading Techniques Via the Integration of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Geographic Information System Tools

Over exploitation of groundwater resources in Jordan has resulted in the depletion and degradation of many groundwater aquifers. Most aquifers are heavily exploited and are expected to dry up by 2040. These pressing challenges require Jordan to find creative and sustainable solutions. Since the annual natural groundwater recharge rate is limited to 0.1-5%, managed aquifer recharge is a proposed solution for Jordan to enhance recharge. The spreading technique is one method used to deliberately recharge water into groundwater aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefits. This study presents a tool based on a geographic information system-multi criteria analysis to identify the potential sites for groundwater recharge in Jordan using the spreading technique. Large sets of spatial data were used to develop a potential site suitability map for managed aquifer recharge spreading methods; the criteria were chosen based on technical, economic, and environmental considerations. The site assessment combined fourteen thematic maps to create suitability maps using the weighted linear combination approach, which were combined with constraint mapping using the Boolean logic. Constraint mapping showed that nearly 47% (7198 km2) of the study area did not meet the minimum criteria. The site assessment criteria on the remaining areas showed that about 4% (618.7 km2) of the study area has low suitability, 14% (2123 km2) has moderate suitability, 20% (3101 km2) is suitable, and 15% (2388 km2) is highly suitable. Managed aquifer recharge has a great potential in the relief of water stress in arid areas. Existing geospatial tools and the increasing availability of spatial data are a great asset to local authorities in water planners.