A workshop was held recently at the University of Jordan (UJ) on quality and protection of water resources in the Zarqa river basin.

The workshop, titled: "The Water Resources in the Zarqa River Basin: Quality and Protection", is part of the activities of "CRITERIA" project which aims at protecting water resources and their quality from pollution in the Mediterranean countries and the Sultanate of Oman.

Dean of Academic Research, Prof. Shaher Momani, said after inaugurating the workshop that it aims at recognizing the significance of preventing the pollution of water sources and challenges of protecting water quality.

Former water minister Dr. Muhammad Shatanawi explained the importance of the Zarqa River basin; pointing out that 60 years ago the basin was full of scattered forests and pastures and was a sanctuary for wild and domestic animals.

Shatanawi added that the basin deteriorated as a result of urban expansion and land abuse, which increased the level of desertification and affected the overall volume and quality of water.

Dr. Maisa’a Shammout, the principal investigator of CRITERIA project, stated that the project is implemented by a number of institutions and universities from Mediterranean countries that share similar environmental problems, including Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Turkey, in addition to the Sultanate of Oman.

During the workshop, Shammout focused on the importance of carrying out regular analysis of water to control sources of pollution, and the importance of monitoring the efficiency of industrial water treatment plants.

The workshop dealt with a number of topics related to the causes of water pollution and its impact on humans, plants and animals, as well as proper wastewater treatment methods and disposal presented by Dr. Akl Awad from the Royal Scientific Society. It also addressed the role of all of Ministries of Environment and Water and Irrigation on this matter.  

CRITERIA project is supported by the Higher Council of for Science and Technology under the ERANETMED of the European Commission under the umbrella of the Deanship of Scientific Research and in cooperation with several relevant authorities.