Tenth International Water Technology Conference, IWTC10 2006, Alexandria, Egypt 1139 CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER WITH HEAVY METALS IN GAZA STRIP Yasser El-Nahhal Department of Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Protection and Research Institute (EPRI), P.O. Box 1175, Gaza, Palestinian National Authority (PNA), Palestine, Phone 00 972 8 2822131, Fax 00 972 8 2823441, E-mail: y_el_nahhal@hotmail.com ABSTRACT This study characterized the chemical contamination of drinking water in Gaza Strip. Twenty one fresh samples from different supply sites were analyzed for metals and anions concentration. Results showed that samples contained higher level of nitrates than the EPA standards. Concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium salts are high in several water supply sites but they are in the acceptable levels or in the boarder line of rejection. Concentration of lead, cadmium, iron, and chromium are above EPA standards in some wells. This situation may have health risks to the local population. Improvement of water quality may be possible by implementing pollution control measures and clean water act. Keywords: Sampling sites, contamination, metals, health risk INTRODUCTION Gaza Strip, the southern part of Palestine, a semiarid land of total area of 365 km 2 lay on the Mediterranean Sea. About 181 km 2 , is considered as a cropland and it is dominated by one of the densest poultry industry. Due to the growing population, many of the industrial units became among human houses and discharge their liquid wastes to the domestic waste networks. The solid wastes of these units were dumped in an open area close to water supply wells. Nevertheless, application of municipal wastes in the agricultural sector to provide nutrients to plants may result in ground water contamination Kaschl et al. [1], beside the fact that anthropogenic discharge of inorganic wastes may result in soil contamination. Phosphorus fertilization to soil may significantly affect movement of phosphorus or other elements to surface water Izuno et al. [2]; Longabucco and Ratterty [3]. Shortage of water is perhaps the most crucial environmental problem. This shortage may be associated with deterioration of water quality due to excessive use in agricultural and industrial activities. However, surveys of environmental problems showed a big concern on water Safi [4]. Water quality has become a major environmental concern. Nevertheless, water resources are limited due to geographical,