Evaluation of the Coastal Plain Aquifer Physical Parameters in Gaza Strip

Abstract

Gaza Strip like some other parts of the Middle East countries has distinct and serious deficit in water. Currently, there is a water sholftag problem for most of the Gaza Strip’s residents. The quality of consulmfed water has very grave problems, as some bacteriological contamination, lasl well as increase in nitrates and chlorides to levels which already have been above the safety limit. Further more it is forecasted that the quantity of available water, which is already scarce, may drop to incompatible levelsl with an acceptable standard of living, public health, social and economid development in the region. To solve the quantity shortage problem in Gaza Strip, correct data about the physical aquifer parameters should be available. Si-ace; hydrogeological studies about Gaza Strip aquifer are not available; an' accurate scientific research will present the basis of figuring the aquifer parameters, which may help in calculating the amount of stored water in the aquifer and can be performed in the lield by either direct method, or by indirect method. Every aquifer has its own physical parameters (Characteristics), as Porosity (E), Transmissivity (T), and Storage Coefficient (S), these physical parameters control the fluids passage through the aquifer. To study any aquifer, we must calculate the aquifer phvsical parameters by executing some tests and analyze their results, from these tests the. pumping test can be used. The aim of this research is to find some physical characteristics for; the Coastal Plain Aquifer in Gaza Strip. as values for Transmissivity (T) and Storage Coefficient (S). l I This study showed that, the water quantity is decreasing year after year, and the quality of water is in continuous deteriorating. There are some suggestions to increase the water quantity in the reservoir, and it is recommended to decrease the usage of \vater and use the water wisely.