Mitigating the Risk of Extreme Water Scarcity and Dependency: The Case of Jordan

Water

Joep F. Schyns²  Arwa Hamaideh¹  Arjen Y. Hoekstra²  Mesfin M. Mekonnen²  Marlou Schyns³ 

[1] Water and Environmental Research and Study Center, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; E-Mail:;Twente Water Centre, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands; E-Mails:;Graduate School of Humanities, University of Amsterdam, Spuistraat 134, Amsterdam 1012 VB, The Netherlands; E-Mail:

关键词: water scarcity;    water pollution;    water footprint;    virtual water trade;    water dependency;    water risk;    water security;    sustainability;    water policy;   

DOI  :  10.3390/w7105705

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Jordan faces great internal water scarcity and pollution, conflict over trans-boundary waters, and strong dependency on external water resources through trade. This paper analyzes these issues and subsequently reviews options to reduce the risk of extreme water scarcity and dependency. Based on estimates of water footprint, water availability, and virtual water trade, we find that groundwater consumption is nearly double the groundwater availability, water pollution aggravates blue water scarcity, and Jordan’s external virtual water import dependency is 86%. The review of response options yields 10 ingredients for a strategy for Jordan to mitigate the risks of extreme water scarcity and dependency. With respect to these ingredients, Jordan’s current water policy requires a strong redirection towards water demand management. Actual implementation of the plans in the national water strategy (against existing oppositions) would be a first step. However, more attention should be paid to reducing water demand by changing the consumption pattern of Jordanian consumers. Moreover, unsustainable exploitation of the fossil Disi aquifer should soon be halted and planned desalination projects require careful consideration regarding the sustainability of their energy supply.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.