Jordan celebrates World Water Day, pursues sustainable water resource management

AMMAN — Jordan on Saturday celebrated the World Water Day, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the sustainability of its water resources through "ambitious" projects and strategic plans to preserve water and ensure a secure and sustainable water future.

World Water Day, observed annually by the United Nations on March 22, aims to highlight the importance of water and inspire action to address the global water crisis. 

Jordan places "significant" importance on sustaining its water resources, recognising water as a fundamental resource for life and sustainable development.

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the Kingdom has achieved notable success globally in advancing the sixth Sustainable Development Goal: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all. 

Despite growing challenges and pressure on water facilities, Jordan focuses on sustainable management of water resources, wastewater, and ecosystems while emphasising the need for a supportive environment.

He added that the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda includes a commitment to systematically monitor and review progress towards the desired goals and targets using relevant global indicators, a commitment Jordan is working to fulfil through carefully studied plans.

Abu Soud highlighted Jordan's integrated strategies for water conservation and achieving water security through desalination, reusing treated wastewater for irrigation, constructing dams, implementing water harvesting projects, and managing groundwater.

"World Water Day offers an opportunity to reaffirm and implement the directives of the Letter of Designation and the concern of His Majesty King Abdullah over the water issue, which is strategically vital for water and food security," the minister said.

"Speedy implementation of strategic projects to achieve water security is essential, with the National Carrier Project being a key initiative that will provide 300 million cubic meters of water annually. Efforts are also underway to reduce water loss, curb water pipeline violations, and hold offenders accountable," Abu Soud said.

Recently, the government launched the National Water Strategy for 2023-2040, outlining objectives and plans to achieve water security while aligning with population growth and urban and economic expansion, he noted. 

Key aspects of the strategy include reducing dependence on fresh water by increasing the use of reclaimed water for irrigated agriculture, adopting more efficient irrigation methods, expanding rain-fed agriculture, and collecting rainwater.

He said that the Ministry of Water, in collaboration with international organisations, encourages modern agricultural techniques like hydroponics, which require less water compared to traditional farming. 

The ministry also promotes innovation and utilises advanced technology to optimise water resources, contributing to achieving the SDGs and benefiting from renewable energy.

Regarding the use of modern technology in energy, he explained that the water sector has adopted the Energy Management System (EnMS) according to the global ISO 50001 standard, consistent with the water sector's energy policy. All water facilities are expected to be included in the EnMS by 2030, aligning with the sixth SDG.

The minister referred to significant expansion in wastewater infrastructure, with the number of wastewater treatment plants rising from seven in 1999 to 36 in the present. 

These facilities treat 235 million cubic meters of water, providing 190 million cubic meters of reclaimed water suitable for restricted agricultural use. 

Also, 66 per cent of the population now has access to wastewater services, said the minister, adding that a wastewater strategy was launched at a cost of JD930 million to implement wastewater projects, expand services to new areas, and improve environmental conditions.

According to reports from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jordan is among the world's most water-scarce countries, with per capita water availability at some 61 cubic meters annually, where the Kingdom faces a water deficit of about 400 million cubic meters annually due to declining water sources, Petra said.

Jordan's total available water from all sources stands at 1.115 billion cubic meters, including around 510 million cubic meters for municipal use, 570 million for agricultural and livestock purposes, and 35 million for industrial use.