The key policy objectives of the Jordan water reuse management plan are to use reclaimed water, where practical, in exchange for present and future use of freshwater and to maximize the returns from reclaimed water resources. Therefore, the Government of Jordan has imposed that all new wastewater treatment projects must include feasibility aspects for wastewater reuse and has set standards for treated domestic wastewater effluent (Jordanian Standards JS 893/1995 revised in 2002).

Table 10: Allowable Limit for properties and criteria for reuse in irrigation

The Jordanian standards for wastewater reuse are based on reuse categories depending on crops/ areas to be irrigated. The standard prohibits using reclaimed water for irrigating vegetables that are eaten uncooked (raw). Further, it is prohibited to use sprinkler irrigation except for irrigating golf courses. In the latter case, irrigation should take place at night and sprinklers must be movable and not accessible for day use. When using reclaimed water for irrigating fruit trees, irrigation must be stopped two weeks prior to fruits harvesting and any falling fruits in contact with the soil must be removed.

In addition, the Jordanian standards provide values for a range of chemical wastewater components that are considered for guidance only. In case of exceeding these values, the end user must carry out scientific studies to verify the effect of that water on public health and the Environment and suggest ways and means to prevent damage to either.

Table 11: Guidelines for Reuse in Irrigation