Water and society in Jordan and Israel today: an introductory overview

Abstract

Increasing population levels and demand for water have led to a global water shortage, with more than one billion people unable to access safe drinking water. The Middle East is particularly vulnerable to water stress because of its dense population, variable climate and vulnerable groundwater resources. In Jordan, for example, if current trends in population continue, the water per capita will halve—putting the country in the category of having an absolute water shortage. This opening paper summarizes the climate and hydrology of Jordan and Israel, describes how water is managed at a national level in Jordan and reflects briefly on the broader international context.