Ghanem, M. et al.

The Canadian Journal for Middle East Studies July 2017, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 78- 92 ISSN: 2369-5986 (Print), 2369-5994 (Online) Copyright © The Author(s). 2017. All Rights Reserved Published by Institute for Middle East Studies, Canada DOI:

Socio - Economic - Environmental Impact on Spring water in Western

Catchments

Marwan Ghanem*, Waseem Ahmad**, Farah Sawaftah***, and Yacoub Keilan****

* University, P.O.Box 14, Ramallah - , [email protected]

**Ministry of Health, Ramallah - Palestine, [email protected]

***Ministry of Agriculture, Ramallah - Palestine, [email protected]

****Ministry of Agriculture, Ramallah - Palestine, [email protected]

Abstract

The socio economic environmental impact of using the spring water in the Central Western Ramallah - Palestine Catchments was studied. The study concentrated on the villages that contains large discharge springs in the catchments. A total of 152 questionnaires were filled and analyzed in a field survey campaign during December month 2015. The study targeted questions related to socio economic, land use area around the springs, the situation of the springs and discharge quantities. The questionnaires have been analyzed through SPSS Statistics program. As a result, access to these springs is challenging and at times may even be dangerous. As most of the springs are located at some distance from residential areas they are also not located near cesspits which are the common form of wastewater disposal in rural areas. Pesticides and fertilizers used on agricultural land in the vicinity of spring was ranked first as a pollution source, followed by human activities namely recreation around the springs and wastewater. The majority of the respondents believe that most of the factors affecting springs are man-made or / and natural. The vast majority of the respondents report using spring discharge for agricultural purposes and almost half of them reported that over 15 persons benefit from the spring. Responses widely varied in relation to the average annual income from agricultural activities. Less than one-fifth of the sample sell their products on a wide scale, the majority cultivate the land either for self-sufficiency or for some additional income. The majority of the respondents noted that springs have a positive impact on social relations..

Keyword: Socio-economy, Spring Water, , Ramallah, Palestine

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*Corresponding author: Ghanem, M. Birzeit University, P.O.Box 14, Ramallah - Palestine, [email protected]

Received March 22, 2017; Accepted Jul 17, 2017; Published 24, August 2017

Citation: Ghanem, M. et al(2017) Socio - Economic - Environmental Impact on Spring water in Western Ramallah Catchments. CJMES 2:77-.92 doi:

Copyright: © 2017 Ghanem, M. et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

79 Ghanem, M. et al.

Introduction

In general, water is the most 2010) (UN, 2008) (UN, 2010). In spite important element of life on earth, of that, the correlation between depending on this fact, there is a great population and water resources had been struggle to control and acquire sufficient changed due to several reasons such as sources of drinking water. The semiarid socioeconomic including increased climate in most of Middle East regions population, urbanization, and economic increases the problem of secure potable development (Biswas, 1970). Springs are water sources to meet the people needs. one of the groundwater forms which are However, people overtime inhabited discharging relatively good quality water areas nearby water resources in order to into earth surface making flowing use them for domestic, agriculture, and streams end. Palestine is considered as livestock purposes (McCool et al., one of these countries that has scarce 2008). Depending on that, the population potable surface water resources, despite increased from 1.3 billion in 1900 to 6.9 that, it has sufficient reserves of drinking billion in 2010 with increase of 50% in water as groundwater. urban areas (Klein Goldewijk et al.,

Various violations regarding water However, about 90% of the Israeli sector such as: destruction of 78 discharged wastewater are raw without groundwater wells, 150 water ponds, any treatment toward the Palestinian 43000 meter of water distribution lines, agricultural lands (MoEA, 2000). In the and about 2500 dunums of irrigation other hand, the Palestinian unconnected network (MoA, 2001). Moreover, about houses to the sewage network 20 villages are suffering from potable represented about 66% who were water shortage due to Israeli control depending on cesspits (PCBS, 2015). In points (MoEA, 2001). Another spite that water quality of springs outside freshwater problem is related to the communal villages in Natuf basin is anthropogenic pollution that is considered to be good, about 43% of the represented by solid wastes, air pollution springs in Natuf basin were etc. Wastewater is the most pollution contaminated with wastewater which are source could adversely affect nearby the Israeli colonies (Ghanem, groundwater quality that indicated by the 2013) (Shalash and Ghanem, 2007). distributed springs through mountains.

Study Area

The study area of this study is Sarida 740 mm/year, January is the coldest and Natuf catchments which are located month with minimum average at western Central part of the catchments temperature of 6.2 °C, where August is of the West Bank. With Mediterranean the higher average temperature of 39.1 climate type and rainfall average of 570- °C. The total average of relative

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humidity is 62% and increases up to lower at dry season. Therefore, it is 67% in winter (Khatib, 2008). The study important to exploit these discharged area is located within the western aquifer water amounts which most of them are which is considered as the actually not exploited and going in vain. Cennomanian-Turonian Limestone The total number of springs in the study aquifer (Issar, 2000). These two area are 52 springs where 32 springs are catchments have seasonal flowing located in Sarida catchment and the streams (Wadis) where the springs have other 19 springs in Natuf catchment more discharging rates at wet season and (Figure1)

Figure 1: The study area location in the West Bank.

Methodology

The socio economic environmental springs in the catchments. The study impact of using the spring water in the targeted the villages of Deir Ibzai, Ein Natuf and Sarida Catchments were Areek, , Jilijliya, Bruqin, Dura al studied. The study concentrated on the Qar, Atara, Deir as Sudan, Deir Ammar, villages that contains large discharge , , Beit Rima, Abud, 81

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Al Mazara'a al Gharbiya and . A marked. The questionnaires have been total of 152 questionnaires were filled analyzed through SPSS Statistics and analyzed in a field survey campaign program; a software package used for during December month 2015. The study statistical analysis. The survey results targeted questions related to socio created a clear vision about the economic, land use area around the significance of socio - economic - springs, the situation of the springs and environmental impact of using the spring discharge quantities. The rehabilitation water in the Sarida catchment. processes of the springs were studies and

Discussions and Analyses

A total of 152 questionnaires were employees either in the public or private filled out in the targeted areas in the sectors. More than 50% of the Governorates of Ramallah and Salfit. respondents are farmers. The majority of Although Palestinian women play an the respondents reported having one important role in the management of family member unemployed, noting that their household water resources of less 60% of the respondents reported having than 11% of the respondents were one unemployed member and 40% in the females. Almost 60% of the sample have Jilijliya village of have more than 3 a family with more than 6 members, unemployed members. It is noted that nearly 29% have a family of 4 - 6 the vast majority of the respondents have members while 12% have a small family an income over 4000 NIS (1200 US$), of 1 - 3 members. The majority of the with a particular exception of those from respondents having primary or Atara, Abwein and Ein Arik villages of secondary academic achievements. which 40% or more earn an income Results show that the majority of the ranging between 2000 and 3000 NIS sample are employed. While over half (550 and 800 US$). are farmers, over one-third are challenging and at times may even be dangerous. Almost two-thirds of the General Information respondents reported harassment of settlers near the springs. This was Nearly 40% of the respondents particularly an issue in Jilijliya, Bruqin, reported that spring(s) in their area Dura al Qar, Ein Qiniya, Abud and Al discharge between rocks while over 50% Mazara'a al Gharbiya villages. Wastes receive discharge from a pipe or canal. generated in settlements are in general All the respondents reported in having not disposed in the vicinity of the one spring to three springs. Most of the springs except for Bruqin and Ein Qiniya springs are publicly owned with the villages. As most of the springs are exception of those located in Jilijliya, Al located at some distance from residential Mazara'a al Gharbiya and Beitillu areas they are also not located near villages which are mostly family. Most cesspits which are the common form of of the springs are near settlements and as wastewater disposal in rural areas. The a result access to these springs is majority of respondents in Jilijliya, Deir 82 The Canadian Journal for Middle East Studies Vol2 (1) July 2017

Ammar, Beit Rima and Al Mazara'a al of Bruqin village complained from Gharbiya villages referred to the difficult contamination while 9% of those in Ein accessibility due to lack of infrastructure Qiniya village noted that wild pigs pose as a main challenge. All the respondents a problem near the springs in the area.

Pesticides and fertilizers used on respondents believe that most of the agricultural land in the vicinity of spring factors affecting springs are man-made was ranked first as a pollution source, or both man-made and natural. Only a followed by human activities namely minority anticipate factors to explicitly recreation around the springs and originate from natural sources (Figure wastewater. The majority of the 3).

Purpose of spring use

The vast majority of the respondents reported in using spring discharge for agricultural purposes. Springs in Dura al Qar and villages are also used for recreational purposes while those in Bruqin village are also used for domestic purposes(Table1). Figure 2: Origin of Spring's Pollution Sources

About 90% of the respondents own land near springs in their communities. Most of them have an area less than 5 dunums (Figure 4).

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Table 1: Use of spring discharge

Community Agriculture Domestic Industrial Recreational Other

Ajjul 100.0% 20.0%

Jilijliya 100.0% 10.0%

Bruqin 90.0% 70.0% 10.0% 10.0%

Dura al Qar 100.0% 70.0% 90.0%

Atara 90.0% 40.0%

Deir as Sudan 90.0% 20.0% 10.0%

Deir Ibzi 100.0% 100.0%

Deir Ammar 100.0%

Ein Qiniya 100.0% 54.5%

Abwein 70.0% 20.0% 20.0%

Beit Rima 100.0% 50.0%

Abud 80.0% 90.0%

Ein Arik 80.0% 30.0% 20.0%

Al Mazara'a al Gharbiya 100.0% 10.0%

Beitillu 100.0% 10.0% 50.0%

Total 93.4% 20.4% 0.7% 30.9% 2.0%

Figure 3: Average land area owned (dunum). | Figure 4: Crops/Plants cultivated.

It is shown that the land in the vicinity of the springs are cultivated with vegetables, citrus trees and fruits (Figure 5).

Socio economic Impact

Almost half of the respondents reported that over 15 families benefited from the spring's

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water (Figure 6), which represents large benefits .

Figure 6: Number of persons benefiting from the spring. Figure 7: Average annual income from agricultural

activities (NIS/year).

Responses widely varied in relation to Less than one-fifth of the sample sell the average annual income from their products on a wide scale, the agricultural activities. One-third reported majority cultivate the land either for self- earning less than 2000 NIS per year (550 sufficiency or for some additional US$), while about a quarter earn more income (Figure 8). than 10,000 NIS (2750 US$) (Figure 7).

Figure 5: Use of produce

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Rehabilitation of springs

About half of the respondents reported area have not been rehabilitated at all that the springs were rehabilitated. (Figures 9 and 10). While the three- However, all the respondents from quarters noted that the private Jilijliya, Beit Rima and Al Mazara'a al sector/individual initiatives are the group Gharbiya noted that the springs in their responsible for spring rehabilitation.

Figure 6: Group responsible for spring rehabilitation | Figure 7: Group implementing spring rehabilitation

The majority of the respondents noted that springs have a positive impact on social relations (Table 2).

Table 2: Spring's impact in improving social relations.

Community Yes No

Ajjul 90.0% 10.0%

Jilijliya 100.0%

Bruqin 100.0%

Dura al Qar 60.0% 40.0%

Atara 100.0%

Deir as Sudan 62.5% 37.5%

Deir Ibzi 63.6% 36.4%

Deir Ammar 100.0%

Ein Qiniya 60.0% 40.0%

Abwein 100.0%

Beit Rima 80.0% 20.0%

Abud 80.0% 20.0%

Ein Arik 100.0%

Al Mazara'a al Gharbiya 100.0%

Beitillu 100.0%

Total 86.3% 13.7%

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Over 90% of the respondents reported 65% of the respondents reported that the that the discharge of the springs is of springs still need to be improved. The year-round, only a limited number majority of farmers are using surface reported drying especially during the channels, while one third of them are summer. Over 70% of the respondents using Drip irrigation methods and implied that the local community only sprinklers (Figure 11). has partial interest in using the spring's' discharge. Over 70% of the respondents use surface irrigation on the land. About

Figure 8: Irrigation used Methods

Over 75% of the respondents believed sponsor and implement the rehabilitation that the private sector/individual (Figures 12). initiatives would both financially

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Figure 9: Financial sponsor spring rehabilitation.

Conclusion

A total of 152 questionnaires were filled settlers near the springs. Wastes out in the targeted areas in the generated in settlements are in general Governorates of Ramallah and Salfit. not disposed in the vicinity of the Results show that the majority of the springs. As most of the springs are sample are employed, while over half located at some distance from residential are farmers, over one-third are areas they are also not located near employees either in the public or private cesspits which are the common form of sectors. More than 50% of the wastewater disposal in rural areas. All respondents are farmers. It is noted that the respondents of Bruqin complained the vast majority of the respondents have from contamination while 9% of those in an income over 1200 US$, with a Ein Qiniya village noted that wild pigs particular exception of those from Atara, pose a problem near the springs in the Abwein and Ein Arik of which 40% or area. Pesticides and fertilizers used on more earn an income ranging between agricultural land in the vicinity of spring 550 and 800 US$. Most of the springs was ranked first as a pollution source, are publicly owned with the exception of followed by human activities namely those located in Jilijliya, Al Mazara'a al recreation around the springs and Gharbiya and Beitillu villages which are wastewater. The majority of the mostly family owned. Of particular respondents believe that most of the concern, almost all springs in Jilijliya, factors affecting springs are man-made Bruqin, Dura al Qar, Deir Ibzi, Ein or both man-made and natural. Only a Qiniya, Abud and Al Mazara'a al minority anticipate factors to explicitly Gharbiya are near settlements. As a originate from natural sources. The vast result, access to these springs is majority of the respondents reported challenging and at times may even be using spring discharge for agricultural dangerous. Almost two-thirds of the purposes. About 90% of the respondents respondents reported harassment of own land near springs in their

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communities and most of which have an reported that the springs were area less than 5 dunums. The land in the rehabilitated. The majority of the vicinity of the springs are cultivated with respondents noted that springs have a vegetables, citrus trees and fruits. Other positive impact on social relations. Over than the spring rainwater is also widely 70% of the respondents implied that the used for the irrigation of crops/plants in local community only has partial interest the area. Almost half of the respondents in using the springs' discharge. Over reported that over 15 persons benefit 70% of the respondents use surface from the spring. Responses widely irrigation on the land. About 65% of the varied in relation to the average annual respondents reported that the springs still income from agricultural activities. Less need to be improved. Over 75% of the than one-fifth of the sample sell their respondents believed that the private produce on a wide scale, the majority sector/individual initiatives would both cultivate the land either for self- financially sponsor and implement the sufficiency or for some additional rehabilitation. income. About half of the respondents

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