Unit 6
Lesson 3 page 52
Before reading
1 Look at the photographs. What do they represent? Discuss your ideas.
The first photograph is Wadi al-Mujib Dam in Jordan and it shows how water is used and stored in Jordan. The second and third photographs represent the problem of water shortage in Jordan due to the misuse of household water.
Water resources in Jordan
Water is essential for life. Our wellbeing, sanitation, agriculture and industry all count upon a supply of water. Beyond these uses, water brings countless other benefits to society. We use it to swim in, sail on and take pleasure in the numerous plants and animals that depend on it. In addition, our health and environment are reliant on an effective wastewater infrastructure. Jordan’s scarcity of water is a long-term challenge for environmentalists. Water resources in Jordan have remained quite stable over the years, but Jordan has become a densely populated country. Current use of water already exceeds renewable supply.
Consequently, the Jordanian government have released the following notice to commence raising awareness of this matter.
1. Jordanians must recognise that the available water supply is finite, and they must take responsibility for this issue within their own households.
2. Accountability must be assumed for water management in Jordan. This responsibility should be recognised by individual citizens, the public sector and the private sector alike. The situation necessitates the combined effort of the Jordanian people to improve conditions within their own environs.
3. A deeper understanding of the available amounts, actual quality and natural protection of Jordan’s water resources must be reached. This knowledge will be circulated in schools and throughout the community.
4. Water must be used more efficiently, with more regard for energy needed to heat water for daily usage.
5. Healthy aquatic ecosystems are vital to a high quality of life for Jordanians and must be preserved.
6. The quality and standards of drinking water will be consistently maintained to ensure that Jordanians have potable water that is free from pollutants.
While reading
The text talks about:
-The uses of water.
- The government notice.
-The necessity of reducing the usage of water.
-The educational programme and its aims.
-The healthy aquatic ecosystems importance.
After reading
-Why have the Jordanian government released the notice?
To commence raising awareness of this matter.