Sedimentation | Major challenge
Reservoir sedimentation in arid climates is becoming more of a pressing concern in the face of climate change. Here IWP&DC gives an insight into recent studies addressing the problem across Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
SEVERE WATER SCARCITY has long been a challenge for Jordan and has intensified due to climate change, population growth, regional conflicts and unsustainable water use. As pressure on water resources grows, the country is exploring new strategies to secure reliable supplies. According to Al-Tanni et al in the Journal of Water and Land Development, Jordan plans to invest heavily in storage reservoirs to maintain water supplies during periods of stress. However, despite the promise of new dam construction, sedimentation remains a major threat to the productivity and lifespan of existing dams. Changing rainfall patterns linked to climate change are also increasing the frequency of flash floods, accelerating soil erosion and sediment accumulation in reservoirs. In their study, researchers from Jordan and the
United Arab Emirates analyse the King Talal Dam (KTD) and Mujib Dam (MD) to evaluate whether sediment removal could serve as an alternative to constructing new dams. Their work combines sediment and water quality assessments, cost analyses and comparisons with studies from regions with similar climatic conditions. The researchers examine sediment characteristics, assess the economic viability of sediment removal and explore the potential reuse of sediments in agriculture to improve soil fertility. By integrating environmental, technical and economic perspectives, the study aims to identify sustainable sediment management strategies suited to Jordan’s water-limited environment.
Below: Geographical distribution of 574 dams across Saudi Arabia and (b) Geological map of Saudi Arabia Source: Hartmann and Moosdorf, 2012
Case studies King Talal Dam, an earthfill structure that forms Jordan’s
second-largest reservoir, lies within the Zarqa River basin. The catchment area is characterised by intensive agriculture and industrial activity, with wastewater frequently discharged into the river. Effluents from three wastewater treatment plants account for around half of
the water entering the reservoir. The basin’s steep terrain also accelerates erosion, transporting soil, organic matter and nutrients into the reservoir and increasing sediment accumulation. The Mujib Dam is a roller compacted concrete gravity dam built on limestone in deeply incised valleys in central- western Jordan. It captures flood and base flows from Wadi Mujib that would otherwise drain into the Dead Sea. Sediment removal is often carried out when reservoir
levels are lowered, as this reduces operational costs. However, because the KTD and MD reservoirs provide essential water for agriculture and industry, lowering water levels for dredging operations could disrupt economic activities for at least two years. Communities dependent on these water supplies could therefore face significant losses. The researchers highlight the need for sediment-removal methods that minimise disruption to water availability. Techniques such as selective dredging, which targets specific sediment deposits without draining the reservoir, may offer a practical solution. Advances in dredging technology could also improve efficiency while reducing environmental impacts. The urgency of addressing sedimentation became clear when the Mujib reservoir was recently drained due to severe drought, below-average rainfall and heatwaves. Although the reservoir experiences only moderate siltation rates, the event highlighted the vulnerability of Jordan’s water infrastructure and intensified discussion about sediment management. Any removal strategy will need to align with national water policies while protecting the rights of local water users.
Economic considerations Estimating the cost of sediment removal in Jordan is
complex. Specialised equipment required for large-scale dredging is not currently available in the country and would need to be imported. In addition, reservoirs are
38 | April 2026 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
