The coming water shortage in the Jordan River Basin - Finding objectivity in a subjective problem

Water distribution and availability in the Jordan region were studied. Self-sufficiency in water availability within the region is determined by the minimum amount of water used per person that is renewable. The objectives of the study were to identify the causes of water shortages and alternative use of water to prolong future supplies. According to our analysis, Israel and Jordan will overutilise their water source by a factor of 2 and Palestine by a factor of 1, by the year 2030. Water recycling has a potential in all the countries. The agricultural sector makes up the bulk of the water use (73-85%). Different water-saving techniques and alternative crop production can drastically reduce water use. Diverting away from agriculture and alternatively developing the industry sector would alleviate the immediate water shortages but will make the region dependent on the global grain market. (Less)