Abu Saud: Serious Implications of Declining Per Capita Water Share - Jordan News

Jordan News

17-05-2025

Jordan's Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Saud, has warned of the serious challenges facing the country's water sector, stating that the annual per capita water share does not exceed 60 cubic meters—one of the lowest globally—making Jordan the most water-scarce country in the world. اضافة اعلان Speaking during a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abu Saud outlined the ministry's dual-track approach to ensuring water security: implementing the National Carrier Project and reducing water loss by improving network efficiency through modern technologies. According to a statement issued by the forum, Abu Saud emphasized that the National Carrier Project is one of the largest strategic undertakings in Jordan's history, and will serve as a cornerstone for sustainable water supply in the coming years. The project is expected to provide around 300 million cubic meters of water annually. He stressed that water is no longer merely a service issue, but a matter of national security. A further decline in per capita water share—potentially dropping below 30 cubic meters annually—would have severe consequences for various sectors, particularly tourism, industry, and agriculture. In tourism, the high water demand would drive up operational costs, affecting the sector's competitiveness. In the industrial sector, increased water costs would burden factories, raising production costs and weakening export competitiveness. For agriculture, dwindling water resources threaten reduced cultivation areas and declining productivity. Addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure, Abu Saud said that some water networks are over 50 years old. The ministry aims to reduce water loss by 2% annually—about 5 million cubic meters—through pipe replacements, pressure monitoring, early leak detection, and crackdown on illegal connections. He noted intensified efforts against water theft, including legal classification as a state security crime. Dozens of unlicensed wells and illegal desalination stations serving tourist facilities without permits have been shut down. On digital transformation, the minister highlighted the installation of SCADA systems on water and wastewater networks, linked to the National Control Center in Dabouq, enabling real-time monitoring of water flow, pressure, and distribution. AI is now being used to manage pressure in high-altitude areas, with successful trials conducted in Khalda to enhance water supply efficiency. Regarding treated wastewater, Abu Saud said Jordan produces 150–200 million cubic meters annually from over 35 treatment plants. The ministry plans to involve the private sector in operating these facilities under long-term contracts to improve sustainability and reduce costs. He also praised advances in agricultural water use, noting that some Jordan Valley farmers now use smart irrigation systems with soil moisture sensors, reducing water consumption by up to 50%, saving energy, improving crop quality, and opening new export markets. Abu Saud reiterated the seriousness of water theft across the country. With security forces, the ministry has conducted operations leading to the confiscation of equipment and arrests. Water theft is now officially categorized as a state security issue. The ministry plans broader engagement with the private sector in loss reduction projects and treatment plant operations. These partnerships will be based on performance metrics, with private firms compensated according to their success in meeting targets. He highlighted challenges like the brain drain of skilled professionals from the water sector, emphasizing the need for capacity retention. Regarding the financing of the National Carrier Project, Abu Saud confirmed it will follow a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, with funding from international donors and financial institutions—without burdening the national budget. Though the project is costly, its strategic value is immeasurable. The project will rely on desalination plants in Aqaba and major pipelines to deliver water across the country. AI is also being used to detect network issues and manage dynamic pressure, with plans to unify communications systems across control centers to prevent outages. Given the shift to digital operations, the ministry has partnered with cybersecurity firms to protect Jordan's water infrastructure from cyber threats. Abu Saud concluded by stressing that achieving water security requires societal awareness, public-private collaboration, effective technology use, and sound resource management. 'Every cubic meter of water we save or secure is a step toward Jordan's stability and sustainable water security,' he said. He confirmed the ministry's commitment to implementing its comprehensive national strategy, reinforced by continuous royal support. 'We are working to protect Jordanian lives. Water is life—it is the foundation of all development, the economy, and stability.' He also revealed the use of a cleaning boat for King Talal Dam and environmental patrols with the Ministry of Environment to prevent littering in Zarqa River.
The session concluded with a wide-ranging discussion between the minister and participants, focusing on expediting the National Carrier Project, addressing water losses, enhancing private sector collaboration, and intensifying public awareness campaigns. The minister affirmed the ministry's transparency and readiness to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure Jordan's sustainable water security.