JORDAN, elected as a Member Country of ICOLD during the 93rd General Assembly in Chengdu, China (May 2025)

JORDAN, elected as a Member Country of ICOLD during the 93rd General Assembly in Chengdu, China (May 2025)

Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, with renewable water resources estimated at less than 100 cubic meters per person per year—far below the international water poverty line of 500 cubic meters. The country’s arid climate, limited rainfall, the influx of refugees, and increasing demand for agricultural and domestic water use all contribute to mounting pressure on its water resources.   In recent years, Jordan has also been increasingly affected by the impacts of climate change, which have disrupted the distribution and timing of rainfall. This has resulted in more frequent and intense flash floods in some regions, while other areas have experienced prolonged droughts—further straining the already limited water resources and complicating water management efforts.

To address these challenges, Jordan has invested in a range of infrastructure and water management strategies, including the construction and operation of 17 major dams across the country.

These dams play a critical role in storing surface water from seasonal rainfall and flash floods, which would otherwise be lost due to rapid runoff and evaporation. They also support irrigation in key agricultural zones, thereby contributing to national food security. In addition, the dams provide water for domestic and municipal uses, particularly during dry periods, and help mitigate flood risks in downstream communities. Some of these dams also play a role in collecting and storing treated wastewater, which is reused for agricultural purposes—supporting resource efficiency and sustainable water use.

Collectively, these dams have a total storage capacity of approximately 336 million cubic meters. The largest dams—such as Alwehdah Dam, King Talal Dam, Wadi Al-Arab Dam, and Mujib Dam—are strategically vital for supporting the country.

Institutionally, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation is responsible for managing Jordan’s water resources and overseeing their distribution across various sectors. Meanwhile, the Jordan Valley Authority serves as the sole entity responsible for the operation, maintenance, and overall management of the country’s dams.

To support the JVA in its mandate, the Government of Jordan established the Jordan National Committee on Large Dams (JOCOLD) by a decision of the Prime Minister. JOCOLD serves as an independent advisory body, assisting the JVA in resolving technical challenges and overseeing dam surveillance operations. It plays a key role in evaluating any emerging signs of distress or deficiencies in dam structures and systems, as well as overseeing the implementation of dam-related studies and the operation of dam facilities. The committee comprises academics, university professors, dam experts, and representatives from various technical associations. It is currently chaired by Dr. Elias Salameh, a distinguished expert in water resources and geology. Recently, JOCOLD became a member of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), and aspires to be an active contributor to the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in dam engineering, safety, and sustainable water management.

Sustainable management of these dams is a cornerstone of Jordan’s national water strategy, which aims to balance immediate human needs with long-term water security under conditions of increasing scarcity and climate variability.

By Eng. Hisham Alhesa

Secretary General of the Jordan Valley Authority

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