Tackling Water Scarcity: Jordan’s Comprehensive Approach to Water Management

Tackling Water Scarcity: Jordan’s Comprehensive Approach to Water Management

Jordan’s Approach to Water Scarcity

For countries like Jordan, one of the most water-scarce regions in the world, efficient water management is not just a necessity but a matter of survival. The Jordan Valley Authority, in collaboration with the Royal Engineering Corps, is taking proactive steps to manage sedimentation in key dams. These include Wadi Shuaib, Wadi Al-Waleh, and Wadi Al-Mujib. In addition, a canal linking Wadi Shuaib to the King Abdullah Canal is under construction, which will help divert excess water.

After every winter, water is allocated for drinking and agricultural purposes, ensuring a fair distribution and secure reserves for future needs. This strategic approach to water management is crucial to combat water scarcity, ensuring sustainability for both current and future generations.

Water Sources and Reserves

According to Majed Khreisat, the Assistant Secretary-General for Water Resources in the Northern and Central Jordan Valley, about 29% (or 80 million cubic meters) of water reserves are derived from existing dams. These dams currently have a total capacity of 280 million cubic meters. The primary sources of drinking water for Jordan are groundwater, the King Talal Dam, and the Mujib Dam.

Moreover, plans are underway to include the Ibn Hammad Dam and the Fidan Dam in water resource management. This will provide additional support to agriculture and industry, further diversifying Jordan’s water sources and increasing overall capacity.

Creating Water Ponds in Desert Areas

In an innovative move to harness rainwater, over 400 water ponds are planned for construction in desert areas. These ponds aim to capture rainwater for future use by local farmers and livestock breeders. This strategic initiative maximizes the use of this natural and renewable resource in areas where water scarcity is most acute.

Securing the Future through Sustainable Water Management

This comprehensive approach to water management underscores the importance of water security in the face of climate change and population growth. By ensuring sustainable management of water resources, Jordan is taking significant strides towards securing water for drinking and agriculture while creating reserves for future needs.

The inclusion of more dams in water management plans and the construction of water ponds in desert areas are clear indications of a move towards diversifying water sources and increasing overall capacity. It is through such strategic initiatives that Jordan continues to address its water shortage challenges, ensuring sustainability for both current and future generations.