A Brief History of Water Use in Jordan

Broad economic development and high demographic growth during the second half of the 20th century have put increasing pressure on Jordan water resources. Per capita water availability is very low and a water crisis is looming. The lower Jordan river basin (see figure) is the most populated and economically active region of the county and is endowed with 80% of its water resources (Courcier et al., 2005). Around the year 2000, nearly all available water in the basin was used: this chapter sket.