Water Resources in Jordan

Abstract

Water resources in Jordan are very limited, among the lowest in the world on a per capita basis. The annual per capita share of water is currently estimated at 135 m3 and this Figure is expected to drop to 90 m3 in the year 2020 as a result of the disproportional increase in population relative to water resources development. Moreover, about 63% of the country’s water resources are consumed in irrigated agriculture. Jordan with an area of around 90,000 Km2 is characterized by Mediterranean semiarid climate in its western part to arid climate in its eastern part and in the Jordan valley. The arid climatic conditions occupy more than 90% of the area of Jordan. More than 96% of the area in Jordan receives less than 300 mm/year. The long term annual average of rainfall over Jordan is about 8,366 MCM/year. Surface runoff flow in Jordan was estimated to be around 885.6 MCM divided into 386.1 as base flow and 499.5 flood flow. For groundwater resources the safe yield is about 294 MCM/year while the pumped water was about 506 MCM making a deficit of around 212 MCM/year. The high consumption of water in agriculture sector made various sources of non-conventional supply mainly treated wastewater have been considered to meet water shortage. At present day treated wastewater was estimated to be around 84 MCM and expected to increase to 117 MCM in 2020.