Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System Impact Assessment on Groundwater Resources: Case Study Dana Biosphere Reserve/Jordan | Al-Ajarmeh | Modern Applied Science | CCSE

Jordan is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries. Almost all of the water supply systems in Jordan depend on groundwater and springs which are highly depleted. While only 60 percent of households in Jordan are connected to the sewage systems. Hence, there is a significant, untapped potential for decentralized approaches for wastewater management. DWWTS are environmentally sound and sustainable technology can be used for suburban and rural communities such the ones found in the Dana Biosphere Reserve area. Groundwater contamination risk is the critical point when implementing wastewater treatment systems including DWWTS. DRASTIC Model, an inexpensive method for evaluating the vulnerability of groundwater resources to pollution based on hydrogeologic settings, was applied to assess the groundwater contamination vulnerability in the study area. The DRASTIC index value indicates that the potential for polluting groundwater is low. This study recommends implementing DWWTS to serve communities in Dana Biosphere Reserve area emphasizing the development of groundwater monitoring program during the operation of the facility.？