wcm.02.2025.328.334

This study highlights Al-Wehdah Dam as a sustainable irrigation water source in Jordan’s Yarmouk River Basin, an area increasingly facing challenges due to declining river flows caused by excessive upstream water withdrawals. The methodology provides a comprehensive and detailed map of dams within the Yarmouk Basin, and the water quality index (WQI) of Al-Wehdah Dam over fourteen-years from 2007 to 2020 to assess quality trends and highlight sustainable irrigation water management strategies. Analysis of 2021 Landsat imagery revealed the presence of 48 dams across the basin, 44 of which are on the Syrian side and 4 on the Jordanian side, including Al-Wehdah Dam. Excessive water withdrawal by upstream farmers leads to water shortages for people living downstream and severely impacts sustainability. Initial findings in 2007 indicated poor water quality; however, significant improvements were observed in 2011, 2017, and 2020, coinciding with increased inflows and effective water management. This emphasizes the urgent need for transboundary cooperation to manage water quantity and quality equitably. Sustainable strategies, such as vegetation rehabilitation and continuous monitoring, are essential to mitigate geomorphic changes and ensure long-term water availability. These insights provide critical guidance for policymakers seeking to enhance the basin’s agricultural sustainability and maintain ecological balance.