AMMAN
– Tanker trucks, a familiar sight in water-scarce
regions like Jordan, play a pivotal role in
water supply. A recent study in
Nature Sustainability by
international and Jordanian researchers led by Stanford University and the
German Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) has quantified tanker
water's significance in Jordan’s cities.
اضافة اعلان
The study unveils that privately operated trucks supply ten times
more water in Jordan than previously understood.
Tanker deliveries offer 5
percent of households’ drinking water and over 50 percent for businesses.
Remarkably, each sixth to seventh cubic meter in Jordan’s cities is transported
by road.
Private water deliveries incur high costs
This
dependence on
private water deliveries incurs high costs. Tanker water is about
five times pricier due to transportation expenses. These trucks often
compensate for insufficient piped water. Households and businesses spend more
on tanker deliveries than public water provision.
This dependence on private water deliveries incurs high costs. Tanker water is about five times pricier due to transportation expenses. These trucks often compensate for insufficient piped water. Households and businesses spend more on tanker deliveries than public water provision.
Many businesses remain…unconnected
Dr. Christian Klassert, lead author and UFZ economist, says the
finding highlights the precariousness of Jordan’s urban water supply. Unequal
access and intermittent piped water characterize the situation. Many businesses
remain unconnected.
Households’
reliance on tanker deliveries will likely double by 2050, and costs may surge
by 30 percent.
Groundwater decline necessitates longer trips for supply.
Affording water could become challenging.
Addressing
this issue requires action. Jordan’s tanker water market goes beyond official
groundwater abstractions. Balancing this requires addressing unmet water needs
that tankers fulfill.
Augmenting supply won’t halt tanker water growth
Creating
new water sources, like the
National Water Carrier project, is vital. Yet,
simply augmenting supply won’t halt tanker water growth. Curbing demand
requires equitable water distribution through improved networks.
Creating new water sources, like the National Water Carrier project, is vital. Yet, simply augmenting supply won’t halt tanker water growth. Curbing demand requires equitable water distribution through improved networks.
Understanding
tanker water's role can foster innovative solutions, such as legalizing
unregulated abstractions while securing household access. Insights from
Jordan's case are relevant to 30 cities globally with active tanker water
markets.
As one of
many arid countries,
Jordan’s water challenges resonate widely. Solutions must
ensure sufficient drinking water for all.
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