Water Sector Policy for Groundwater Sustainability.

This Water Sector Policy for Groundwater Sustainability is a sub-sectoral document that forms part of a set of new policies developed by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to establish clearly defined rules for managing scarce water resources efficiently and sustainably, thereby achieving the national goals for long-term water security. These result-oriented policies are built upon and updated from previously adopted strategies, policies, and plans. Together, they are an integral and ongoing part of the overall management efforts that have already been achieved. The core strategy is to balance the needs of various sectors while prioritizing economic and environmental sustainability. A central tenet of the Policy is to cap groundwater abstraction for the agricultural sector in favor of industries with a higher economic return per cubic meter of water. The strategy recognizes that the sustainability of irrigated agriculture must be weighed against socioeconomic considerations. To this end, the plan proposes the use of treated wastewater to replace fresh water whenever possible. It also includes measures to expropriate water rights for compensation in areas where groundwater use provides zero or negative returns, while designating profitable properties for fund investments to encourage more efficient, and thus slower, water extraction. The Policy also focuses on protection and enforcement. This involves developing mathematical models to predict aquifer yields, protecting recharge areas from pollution, and establishing monitored protection zones for all groundwater sources used for drinking. To ensure these measures are effective, the Plan emphasizes cooperation among various governmental bodies. It also calls for the expansion of sewage networks and wastewater treatment plants, especially in high-risk "hot spot" areas, to prevent aquifer pollution. Finally, the Policy aims to regulate groundwater use through economic and legal measures. This includes introducing appropriate water tariffs and incentives to promote water efficiency and higher economic returns in agriculture. It also mandates the equal enforcement of all groundwater management legislation and the implementation of strict measures to deter future violations. A comprehensive management Plan will be developed for each aquifer, supported by regular nationwide groundwater quality monitoring.
A central aspect of the document is public awareness and engagement. The aim is to ensure that all Jordanians, including women, men, youth, students, and people with disabilities, recognize that water is a shared national resource. The goal is to make everyone fully aware of the country's severe water scarcity and the critical need to conserve and protect limited resources. This includes educating the public on groundwater availability and quality. The Policy also emphasizes the active participation of stakeholders and local communities in water management forums. Another central matter is the data collection and the creation of a database with Jordan's water data strategy centered on creating a national data bank within the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to continuously monitor and manage water resources. This involves regular data collection from all sources, including metered groundwater wells, to ensure compliance and track quality. The system will be supported by modern technology, produce a yearly Water Yearbook, and guide regular updates to protection guidelines.