The Well of Zamzam

The Well of Zamzam is a well located within the Masjid al Haram in
Mecca,Saudi Arabia, 20 meters east of the Kaaba, the holiest place in
Islam. According to Islamic tradition it was a miraculously- generated
source of water, which began thousands of years ago when Ibraham's
infant son was thirsty and kept crying for water and was kicking at
the ground when water gushed out. Millions of pilgrims visit the well
each year while performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, in order to
drink its water. By Saudi law, the water cannot be sold outside ofthe
kingdom, but because of strong demand there is a thriving market in
fake Zamzam water in other countries.
Here are some interesting facts about Zamzam:
The Zamzam well was excavated by hand, and is about 30 metres deep and
1.08 to 2.66 metres in diameter.
It started 4000 yrs ago.
Zamzam water has no colour or smell, but it hasa distinct taste, and
its pHis 7.9-8.0, indicating that it is alkaline to some extent.
Never dried since then.
Never changed the taste, no Algea or plant growthin the pond, thus no
disease caused.
It taps groundwater fromthe wadi alluvium and some from the bedrock.
Originally water from thewell was drawn via ropesand buckets, but
today the well itself is in a basement room where it can be seen
behind glass panels (visitors are not allowed to enter). Electricpumps
draw the water, which is available throughout the Masjid via water
fountains and dispensing containers near the Tawaf area.
The water level is 3.23 metres (about 10.59 ft) below the surface.
This small pond provides water to millions of people through heavy
motors pulling 8000 litres/second for more than a 24 hour period
showed a drop in water level from 3.23 metres below surface to 12.72
metres and then to 13.39 metres, after which the water level stopped
receding. When pumpingstopped, the water level recovered to 3.9 metres
below surface only 11 minutes later. This data shows that the aquifer
feeding the well seems torecharge from rock fractures in neighbouring
mountainsaround Mecca.
It was tested by European Laboratories & declared fit for drinking.

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