Tapped Out: Water Scarcity and Refugee Pressures in Jordan

Water scarcity is slated to worsen, threatening health and stability in one of the Arab world’s most durable states. According to a forthcoming study, years of over-pumping have put Jordan on schedule to exhaust underground fresh water as early as 2060.

But even that estimate is based on figures that predate the current crisis.

Throughout refugee-affected areas shortages have hit emergency levels and badly affect both host and refugee – particularly in the hot, dry summers.

The multi-faceted nature of Jordan’s water crisis requires an integrated response, one that coordinates across actors – the Government of Jordan, donors, and NGOs – to address immediate problems.