Jordan, US sign multi-million deal to cut water loss in Petra

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud signed an agreement Monday to launch a JD 6.8 million project aimed at reducing water loss in the Petra District of Ma’an Governorate.

The project, funded through a JD 4.8 million grant from the US.government and a JD2 million contribution from the Water Authority of Jordan, will focus on rehabilitating water networks, improving supply efficiency, and enhancing water system sustainability in the Wadi Musa and Taybeh areas of Petra.

The project includes the installation of 45 kilometers of ductile iron mains and 4 kilometers of polyethylene pipes.

It also entails restructuring and isolating local networks, constructing a SCADA control building to monitor water systems in coordination with the main control center in Aqaba, and implementing pressure management systems at the new Wadi Musa reservoir.

A security post will also be established at the Taybeh reservoir, and staff will receive hands-on training in operating the new technologies.

Abu Saud noted that the project follows a comprehensive evaluation of water conditions in Petra, particularly in Wadi Musa and Taybeh. Modern SCADA systems will be installed to remotely monitor and operate all water sources, helping to reduce both technical and administrative water loss, while improving response time for leaks and complaints.