Original Papers
Vol. 14 No. 4 (2025)
Estimation of sustainable safe yield of wells using analytical and numerical models in the northern Wadi Araba Basin, southern Jordan
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 23 December 2025
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This study assessed the sustainable and safe yield of eight wells in the northern Wadi Araba Basin, southern Jordan, using both analytical-empirical methods and numerical groundwater modeling. Field investigations included well inventory, hydrogeological characterization, and controlled pumping and recovery tests. Transmissivity and storativity were derived using AquiferTest Pro, applying the Neuman solution for unconfined aquifers and Theis’s method for recovery. This was based on the available measurements of the water table of the observation wells located in the study area. Sustainable yield was estimated using long-term safe yield (Q20) through Farvolden, Moell, and Ribby approaches. Results showed that the Q20 values ranging from 1,100 to 1,450 m3/day, with minor variation among the methods. A ParFlow-based 3D numerical model simulated various pumping scenarios to validate and refine analytical findings. The obtained results indicate that pumping out of Wadi Araba wells should not exceed 1,500 m3/day in the case of continuous pumping and 9,000 m3/day in the case of intermittent pumping. Hence, the changes of the levels of the water table did not significantly change with small changes in pumping thus, a 6-fold magnitude increase in pumping from approximately 1,500 m3/day to 9,000 m3/day showing a significant drop in the water table equivalent to about 5.5 MCM per year from the aquifer. The model indicated a safe pumping threshold of 1,500 m3/day, beyond which significant drawdown occurred. Comparison between analytical and numerical estimates revealed a strong correlation, with differences ranging between –3.0% and +4.5%. The integrated approach enhanced confidence in the proposed limits. Future monitoring and model refinement are recommended to ensure long-term aquifer sustainability.
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How to Cite
Estimation of sustainable safe yield of wells using analytical and numerical models in the northern Wadi Araba Basin, southern Jordan. (2025). Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2025-881
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