Amman:Experts and academics continued their discussions at the University of Petra for the "Future of Water Innovative Approaches to Water Management in the Arab Region" conference, focusing on the critical challenges of water security. Topics included smart distribution infrastructure and the application of artificial intelligence in detecting leaks.
According to Jordan News Agency, discussions emphasized Jordan's severe water deficit, with annual per capita water availability now at approximately 61 cubic meters, significantly below the international absolute water scarcity threshold of 500 cubic meters per year.
Former Minister of Water and Irrigation Dr. Kamel Mahadin called for the formation of permanent technical advisory committees. These committees, composed of engineering faculties, would aid in transitioning from crisis management to strategic planning based on research.
Dr. Hazim El-Naser, also a former Minister of Water and Irrigation, explained how smart sensors and automated diagnostics can identify pipeline fractures without extensive excavation. He contrasted this with traditional methods that sometimes required replacing long pipeline stretches at significant cost, while smart systems could ensure infrastructure safety at a fraction of the price.
Dr. Radwan Al-Weshah from the University of Jordan discussed progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 in the Arab region. He emphasized Integrated Water Resources Management principles, which focus on social equity, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Al-Weshah also touched on the National Water Carrier Project, a significant component of Jordan's long-term water security strategy, aimed at supplying desalinated water across the country. He suggested using solar power to reduce operational costs and modernizing distribution networks to minimize water losses.
The day concluded with University of Petra faculty presenting research on AI algorithms for pipe burst detection, computational models for optimizing treatment plants, and smart irrigation frameworks, aiming to reduce water consumption in agriculture, which accounts for nearly half of Jordan's water usage.