Community Water Harvesting Systems Project  

Jordan is classified among countries with limited water resources and in fact is the lowest on
a per capita basis. The available water resources per capita are falling as a result of
population growth and are projected to decrease from less than 160 m3 /cap/year at the
present to about 90 m3/cap/year by 2025, putting Jordan in the category of an absolute
water shortage. The scarcity of water in Jordan is the single most important constraint to the
country’s growth and development because water is not only considered a factor for food
production but also for economic development. As a result of this scarcity, the demand on
Jordan’s water resources has far outpaced its supply.. The deficit is made up by the
unsustainable use of groundwater through overdrawing of highland aquifers, resulting in
lowered water table in many basins and declining water quality in some. In addition, the
deficit is overcome by rationing the supply of water to the agricultural sector.