WASTEWATER REUSE LAW AND STANDARDS IN THE KINGDOM OF JORDAN

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has a critical shortage of water resources. Water use per capita is among the lowest in the world and urban population continues to grow, increasing water demand. The government of Jordan has been quick to recognize the potential of wastewater reuse to expand the existing supply of water. Today nearly all the wastewater generated within the Kingdom is reused after appropriate treatment and blending with higher quality water. Planning is underway for further optimization of recycled water. The successful utilization of recycled water within Jordan has been made possible by the development and evolution of a sound legislative and legal foundation. There are several sets of standards that have paved the way. These include the first law regarding the operation of municipal sewer systems, which was first established in 1955, and the original public health standards first enacted in 1971. The reuse of wastewater is now regulated by several sets of standards: including one governing the discharge of toxic materials to sewers and others that established standards for reuse of wastewater and the processing and use of sludge. Progress in wastewater reuse in Jordan has been significant. Initiatives are underway to further enhance the framework of laws and standards for improved integration of the treatment requirements for the wastewater with the likely reuse of the treated effluent in order to minimize the treatment costs, ensure public health and preserve the environment. Further evolution of the legislation may also allow for more flexible decision-making processes, and higher-value uses of treated wastewater. The paper traces the history and development of wastewater regulatory laws and the agencies that control wastewater within Jordan. The authors trace the development of the law underlying the wastewater agencies and the related standards and rules, and they provide some insights into the opportunities for the future evolution of Jordan’s wastewater reuse laws and standards. 1 Irrigation & Wastewater Re-Use Specialist, Directorate of Environment, Ministry of Water & Irrigation, Amman, Jordan 2 Head of Environmental Study Section, Directorate of Environment, Ministry of Water & Irrigation, Amman, Jordan 3 Director of Wastewater Projects Directorate, Water Authority of Jordan, Amman, Jordan 4 Wastewater Re-Use Team Leader, Water Resource Policy Support Project, Ministry of Water & Irrigation, Amman, Jordan WASTEWATER REUSE LAW AND STANDARDS IN JORDAN