Why does Jordan face water shortages in its major towns?

Jordan faces significant water shortages in its major towns due to a combination of environmental and human-driven factors. Primarily, the country is characterized by an arid climate, which limits natural water availability.1

These shortages have been exacerbated by several key issues:

• Overuse of Water Resources: The excessive tapping of the region’s natural aquifers and the heavy utilization of the Jordan River and its tributary, the Yarmouk River, have led to widespread water scarcity.2
• Population Growth: As the country’s population increases, the demand for water in major urban centers has intensified, making water access a critical national problem.1
• Regional Conflict: The management of water resources has become a point of contention among states in the region, further complicating efforts to secure stable supplies.2

While the government has worked to address these challenges through infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Waḥdah Dam, the combination of aridity and high demand continues to strain Jordan's water security.21