Assessment of suspended solids dynamics and their effect in the irrigation networks in the Northern Jordan Valley

This study aims to assess the suspended solids dynamics of the irrigation water, through total Suspended Solids (TSS) measures and field observations. Assessment is conducted along the distribution system in the Northern Jordan Valley. This study followed the water’s TSS conditions in the study area along its travel in King Abdullah Canal (KAC), in the pumping station (with all of its components) and in the delivery networks from the pumping station up to the farm units. TSS of the water in KAC fluctuates temporally and spatially. Pumping stations components performance with respect to TSS such as the bar rack, the static and the traveling screens, the settling basins and the well were evaluated. The design of settling basins showed acceptable specifications of the existing structure; however, management and operation conditions are the main concerns affecting their performance. This study showed the screens work with low efficiency because of operation faults and lack of maintenance especially for the traveling screen. Distribution network affects adversely the water’s TSS because of lack of flushing which enables sediments removal from the network, and prevents suspension process for the piled up sediments inside the network pipes. This study suggested using special points of low elevations in the network to flush piled up sediment out of the network. Finally, this study showed the flushing procedure the Jordan Valley Authority staff should take for cleaning the distribution network.