“… but not a drop to drink” said the old sailor adrift on the unforgiving ocean.
There’s been plenty of water in Jordan in the last 3 months. Raindrops kept falling on our heads and we even had a weekend of snow in Amman. We should be happy because the dams are filling up. Maybe people are hoping that water shortages won’t be a problem this year.
We all know that Jordan is one of the most water-poor countries in the world. But projects are under way to supply more water. Both the DISI and the Red-to-Dead projects are designed to supply more water to thirsty consumers.
But what about demand for water?
Is there not scope here and elsewhere in the world to reduce demand by encouraging people to use less water? Using this precious resource wisely should be a priority.
And there is no doubting that it is precious. Leonardo da Vinci said “Water is the driving force of all nature.”
Water gives life. The right to clean water is a basic human right: yet one in eight people in the world don’t have it. Twelve million people die each year from lack of safe drinking water and 80% of diseases in developing countries are water-related.
Water can also be immensely destructive as we saw in the tsunami in Japan and the floods in Pakistan last year.
So we should respect water and make sure we don’t waste it. Reducing water consumption is easy. A more efficient showerhead can save over 3,000 litres in a month. Mending a dripping tap can save 450 litres a day.
Other tips are simple: use a broom not a hose, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
In our house we capture and use the grey water from the shower. We put the washing-up water on the garden. Our water consumption has gone down dramatically. If everyone did the same, the world would not have so many water shortages.
We all have an individual responsibility to protect our earth’s precious resources. It’s good for our health and it’s good for our community. And as it happens, it’s also good for your pocket.
I really appreciate your words and concerns about water in Jordan I though from the way you are writing that you are a Jordanian. We are glad to have an ambassador like you in our country.
Welcome Mr. Peter in your country Jordan
Peter
Hope you are well?
This year in Cyprus has been exceptional in the fact the dams are overflowing and the rivers are all flowing strongly. We have had snow on the Troodos for months now, unprecendented weather.
But what we still see is that people continue to disrespect what they have and need to save for the expected hot Summer. The water will be wastefully used by the ignorant; hosing down patios and driveways etc, this valuable source to all.
No matter what we do as indivuals, and we are a minority, to try and save water, the education of the younger generation is paramount and can only help. We should also educate the tourists arriving so they understand the situation and are more aware; simple 2 min video on the plane.
Anyway, let us hope the water we have is enough…it should be, but lets us be frivilous and sensible.
The British taxpayer pay for such dribble?
How right you are! Here in East Anglia in the UK a hosepipe ban begins on 5 April. I have 4 water butts, all full but how long will that last if we don’t have rain?
But – we are all loving the unseasonably warm, sunny weather!
When I was in Jordan in 2010 I was shown a video of flooding in Petra and pictures of thick snow there, although I think that only lasted a day. It was, however, more than the brief covering which I was told usually melted with the rising sun.
Visitors to Jordan should also learn to be more economical with water – and perhaps those who visit East Anglia, too!