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 of the 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 has a distinct taste, and its pH is 7.9-8.0, indicating that it is alkaline to some extent.

Never dried since then.

Never changed the taste, no Algea or plant growth in the pond, thus no disease caused.

It taps groundwater from the wadi alluvium and some from the bedrock. Originally water from the well was drawn via ropes and 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). Electric pumps 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 pumping stopped, the water level recovered to 3.9 metres below surface only 11 minutes later. This data shows that the aquifer feeding the well seems to recharge from rock fractures in neighbouring mountains around Mecca.

It was tested by European Laboratories & declared fit for drinking.