The geohydrology and water quality of the springs and wells of the western catchment to the Dead Sea, West Bank, Palestine

This study is based on the analysis of water samples collected on a seasonal basis from the wells and springs of the southern basins of the Mountain Aquifer. The Herodion-Beit Fajjar well field is located near the main recharge area between Bethlehem and Hebron. The springs discharge from perched aquifers, or discharge directly into the Dead Sea. The analyses of the samples collected indicate three major water types: calcium carbonate water, calcium-sodium bicarbonate water, sodium chloride water; attributed to the geochemical dissolution and ion exchange processes and to mixing with wastewater. A large number of the samples are contaminated with fecal coliform and therefore unsuitable for drinking without proper disinfection. Most samples range between hard and very hard water indicating high concentrations of calcium and bicarbonte. Some of the samples exceed the nitrates limits of the WHO (1995) and a few exceed the potassium limits, indicating pollution and mixing with wastewater. Chemical treatment is required in order to bring such water up to acceptable drinking water standards. The samples registered a low sodicity and a high salinity hazard. This type of water should be limited and controlled in order to mitigate the possible negative effects on both the soil and the cultivation of plants.