ABSTRACT
The traditional response to water scarcity is to increase supply in order to keep pace with “water requirements”, which are often specified irrespective of economic considerations (see Chapter 1 of the theoretical part). This supply-side approach has its limits because of increasing costs, environmental damage and, in some cases, dependence on neighbouring countries for water supply. Jordan is no exception to the rule, and water planners are focusing their attention on various large projects to increase water supply. The projects in which the greatest interest is currently being taken are the Yarmouk dam and the exploitation of the Disi fossil aquifer. Seawater desalination remains a long-term option in the opinion of many Jordanian water planners.
