Page 15 - مشروع تخرج 1

1.1.1 Water crisis in Jordan :

Jordan is the second poorest country in the world in terms of water resources. Water
resources in Jordan amount to less than 100 cubic meters per capita, which is much
less than the global per capita share of 500 cubic meters and indicates a severe water
shortage. Jordan is the second poorest country in the world in water resources.
Renewable water resources in Jordan amount to less than 100 cubic meters per
capita, which is much less than the global per capita share of 500 cubic meters and
indicates a severe shortage of water.

The major environmental challenge facing Jordan today is water scarcity, as Jordan's
water resources are limited and the country's population continues to rise. A high
rate of natural population growth accompanied by the massive growth in refugee
flows to an imbalance between population and water. Water resources are limited to
support the population sustainably. To make the situation worse, Jordan shares most
of its surface water resources with its neighboring countries two of the main sources
of surface water in Jordan are the Jordan River and the Yarmouk River. Both have
been exhausted by diverting over-pumping in Syria and Israel.

Figure 1-2 Comparison of annual water share between Jordan and some of Jordan's neighbors

The water used exceeds the required amount of water. The deficit is covered by the
practice of drawing heavily from the highland aquifers, resulting in a lowering of the
water table and lower water quality. Table (1-1) shows Jordan's needs for water

annually according to the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ).[1]

-2-