Water Quality Characteristics of Zeklap Reservoir Water, Jordan

Jordan relies heavily on water reservoirs because it has limited alternative water resources. These reservoirs primarily used for irrigation water and domestic purposes, so monitoring of reservoir water quality is of paramount importance. Physical and biochemical parameters at Zeklap Reservoir, Jordan were investigated. Water quality of Zeklap Dam, in 2013 indicated that the dam is subject to multiple sources including mineral dissolution, sediment load, rainfall evaporation, pumping and agricultural activities. The pH values varied with highest values found in May. TDS, Ca, Mg, HCO3 and NO3-N were higher in the winter in contrast to Na, K, Cl, and NH4-N. Changes in chlorophyll-a level were coincided with low ratio of TN to TP. BOD5 and COD levels were highest in spring. No significant changes in most of physical and biochemical parameters with depth, probably due to shallow depth, high annual sedimentation rate and heavy pumping rate in dry months.