We can emulate Jordan’s best water reuse projects, ReWater MENA experts say
Jordan has a range of successful water reuse projects that could inspire other countries. Experts from the ReWater MENA project shared these, as they embark on a plan to expand reuse models in Wadi Assir and the Northern Valley of Jordan.
Among the projects with beneficial data is the case of Kherbit Assamrah, where about 320,000m3/day of treated water is being reused for forage and olive trees irrigation. Also, 90% of energy supply in Kherbit Assamarh is being covered by bio-gas (Methane) that is generated as part of water treatment process. A second success case is Southern Amman water Treatment Plant where about 17,333m3/day of water is being produced.
The cases were presented by Eng. Enaya AlNatsheh(Water Authority of Jordan ) at Jordan’s second National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting of the ReWater MENA project, 5th of November 2019 in Jordan. AlNatsheh joined other ministry, NGO and other experts as the project refines its priorities.
Discussions tackled the implementation of key inception activities, revealing historical data analysis of water from Kirbet Assamrah to Dairalla.
Eng. Sameer AbdulJabbar (GIZ representative) talked about their experiments on water reuse in Jordan Valley and its impacts on agricultural product. GIZ had worked extensively over water reuse in Jordan valley during the period of 2000-2007. Based on a comprehensive microbial risk assessment and analysis of extensive fruit and soil samples, the GIZ experience concluded that water reuse in Jordan is a safe and efficient practice.
Regarding studying the long term impacts of water reuse in Middle Jordan Valley, the RSS team examined the preliminary results of the soil analysis collected from three selected plots (i.e. fresh water plot, using treated water 5-10 year, using treated water >10yr), where pharmaceutical compounds, resistant antibiotic genes and certain chemical and physical parameters of soil have been tested. The RSS team is now studying the results and model them using the historical data.
To wrap up the meeting, Dr. Almoayied Assayed from RSS, the meeting’s facilitator, highlighted their priorities to take the work forward. The members unanimously confirmed the importance of tackling social acceptance and safe water reuse across the region during coming gatherings.
The meeting was intended to shed light on the project’s progress as the NSC participants provided input and data into the project’s next steps and how Jordan’s case studies could be used as models going forward.
The NSC comprised of the ReWater MENA project agencies and key national partners including; the Ministries of Water and Irrigation, Agriculture, Environment and Health as well as the Water Authority of Jordan, Jordan Valley Authority, International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA), the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), the Embassy of Sweden and International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
These representatives had the gathering to contribute for a better policy and cross-sector coordination, support collaboration and help improve capacities of the national and regional government institutions and collaborating partners.
