Khaberni - The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of water resources, and it is a geographical fact and a natural fate that is gradually turning into an existential crisis that threatens national security, social stability, and economic development. In a land historically known for its rivers, like the Jordan River and the Yarmouk, the "water crisis" has become the most prominent headline for present and future challenges.
The water crisis in Jordan does not stem from a single source, but rather it is a complex mixture of natural and human factors:
1. Harsh Nature: More than 90% of the kingdom's land lies within the arid and semi-arid climate zones, where the evaporation rate greatly exceeds rainfall rates. Moreover, the rainy seasons are short and irregular, making reliance on them a risky venture.
2. Demographic pressures: Hosting successive waves of refugees, especially from Palestine, Iraq, and Syria, has had a significant impact on the already limited water resources. Jordan hosts one of the highest refugee ratios compared to its population in the world, which has doubled the demand for water and increased the burden on infrastructure.
3. Depletion and increasing demand: Despite their economic importance, the agriculture and tourism sectors consume a large percentage of water. Moreover, modern lifestyles and rapid urbanization have increased individual water demand.
4. Climate change: The phenomenon of global warming has exacerbated the situation, causing rises in temperatures and decreases in rainfall rates, and repeated drought periods, which threaten the already scarce water resources.
The crisis is not confined to official reports, but is experienced daily by Jordanian and refugee families:
· Interrupted water supply: The "water rotation" system has become part of the weekly routine for citizens, where water reaches homes for only one or two days a week, forcing residents to rely on domestic tanks and to ration usage in ways that may impact personal hygiene and public health.
· Depletion of wells: Many groundwater wells, which are strategic sources, are experiencing sharp decreases in their levels due to excessive pumping, threatening this non-renewable wealth.
· Water quality deterioration: The depletion of sources leads to increased water salinity and pollution in some regions, increasing the cost of treatment and posing health risks.
Solutions and the path forward: Between management and innovation
Jordan does not stand idly by in the face of these challenges, but is making great efforts on several fronts:
1. Desalination projects: The national water carrier project is one of the most important strategic solutions. It not only provides a new source of desalinated water but also saves the Dead Sea from disappearance and generates electricity. Additionally, the government is considering seawater desalination projects in Aqaba.
2. Enhancing usage efficiency: Work is underway to update water networks to reduce losses, which are high, and to encourage agriculture based on modern irrigation technologies that save water, and the use of local drought-tolerant plants.
3. Wastewater treatment: Jordan is a leader in the region in reusing treated water for industrial and agricultural irrigation, thereby freeing potable water for domestic use.
4. Legislation and awareness: The government enacts laws regulating well drilling and controlling water consumption, alongside ongoing awareness campaigns to rationalize individual and institutional consumption.
Conclusion
The water crisis in Jordan is not an inevitable curse, but a test of a nation's will and a government's wisdom. It is a battle that requires a comprehensive national effort that combines massive engineering solutions, wise management, technological innovation, and community awareness. Jordan's success in managing this crisis will not only secure a drop of water but will ensure its stability and continuity as an oasis of security and hope in a troubled region. The future will belong to those who have the blessing of water, and Jordan, with the concerted efforts of its people, is determined to be among them.
