Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
of the quality of urban water in samples taken from various study sites show that
high concentrations of microbes, fecal e-coli and coliforms were found in runoff
water from all land uses. This finding obligates treatment of the water before it is
reused. These pollutants may result from sewage entering the urban drainage
system. The concentrations of salts and major ions were lower than the standard
for drinking water. Lower concentrations were observed in residential areas. The
chloride and nitrate values in the runoff water were found to be lower than the
values in the local aquifer.
The heavy metal concentrations and the loads calculated per unit of area were
higher in the industrial areas than in the residential areas, and were similar to
concentrations observed in Ashdod and Rishon Le-zion. The similarity in metal
concentrations at the study sites and the sites of studies carried out in the area of
Rishon Le-zion and Ashdod enable use of this data in characterizing the quality of
water from urban areas along the coastal plain.
A number of organic compounds and compounds coming from fuels at high
concentrations, pesticides and various industrial compounds were observed in
runoff in industrial areas. Higher concentrations of hydrocarbons were observed
at the petrol station, in the industrial areas and roads than in residential areas. The
highest concentrations of salts and metals were observed generally during the first
part of the storm.
In light of the findings of this study and a comparison with water quality data
from Rishon Le-Zion and the city of Ashdod, it appears that the quality of runoff
water from residential areas is good. It was found that the quality of runoff water at
most of the sites examined was better than the standards for drinking water. The
standards for penetration to underground water are lower and it is therefore clear
that the potential penetration of runoff water in this area is high.
Urban water constitutes an unutilized resource in urban areas in the State of
Israel and can be used as a source of additional water if exploited wisely, both by its
penetrating directly into the aquifer and by using it for irrigation of gardens and
lawns.
References
Asaf L, Nativ R, Hasan M, Shain D (2002) Quantities and quality runoff in Ashdod. Water Water
Eng 54:33-41
Asaf L, Nativ R, Hasan M, Shain D, Geyer S (2004) Controls on the chemical and isotopic
compositions of urban stormwater in a semiarid zone. J Hydrol 294:270-293
Bannerman RT, Owens DW, Dodds RB, Hornewer NJ (1993) Sources of pollutants in Wisconsin
storm water. Water Sci Tech 28:241-259
Bromil B, Shamir A, Carmon N (2003) Runoff in residence neighborhoods. Integrated report of
building ministry and environmental ministry. The Urban and Region Research Center
together with Grand Water Research Institution, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa
Carmon N, Shamir A (1997) Urban planning sensitive to water. The Urban and Region Research
Center/Israel Institution of Technology, Haifa, 120
