Water Demand Management in Jordan
- 1 Lulea University, Lulea, Sweden
- 2 Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
- 3 Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
- 4 Lulea University, Lulea, Sweden
Abstract
Jordan is located in the Middle East in the eastern Mediterranean. It has a surface area of approximately 90,000 km 2 and its population reaches 6.3 million. Jordan is the fourth driest countries in the World and water demand exceeds Jordan ’ s available water resources. Annual per capita water availability has declined from 3600 m 3 /year in 1946 to 145 m 3 /year today. It is estimated that the population will continue to grow from about 5.87 million in 2008 to over 7.80 million by 2022. Total projected water demand will be 1673 million cubic meters by 2022. Fifteen - year complete records for water consumption were studied to see the supply and demand variation with time. It had been noticed that water demand management will address the actual needs for water. This management program will ensure further reduction in water use, reduce water loses through the distribution supply net, prevent pollution. In addition, it will help minimize water disposal in nature, make efficient use of available water resources, plan for future new water resources prudent ly and finally impos e a real cost for water supply that would be acceptable. In addition to the above, public awareness program is to be put in action. Such a program should be used in schools as well as the media. The public is to be aware of the problem and how they can assist w ith overcoming the water shortage crisis.
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