아프리카ㆍ중동

This paper reviews the status of the water resources in the HashemiteKingdom of Jordan in the context of the global pattern of increasing demand forwater linked to population increase, a growing urban-based population and increasingeconomic progress. Jordan is currently one of the world’s ten water poorest nations,a situation which is being exacerbated by a rapidly growing population. Jordanhas a climate ranging from Mediterranean to Arid with approximately 80 percent of the country receiving less than 100mm of precipitation annually. Evaporation ranges from around 2000mm per year in Zarqa in the north westof the country to over 5000mm per year in Ma”an in the south. Renewablefreshwater resources are of the order of 750-850 million cubic meters(MCM)with approximately 65 per cent derived from surface water and 35 per centfrom groundwater sources. Current demands for water are of the order of 955MCM. This shortfall is currently managed by controlling supply, but this isunsustainable. Treated waste water provides a possible additional source of water,but there are concerns and limitations over its use. Jordan must develop astrategy to manage its water resources sustainably, making full use of all availablewater resources. Some of the problems and possible solutions are discussed.