Pumping from several water resources suspended over turbidity

AMMAN — The Jordan Water Company (Miyahuna) on Wednesday suspended pumping from several of Amman’s main water resources due to increased turbidity levels.

Despite the suspension, the capital’s water distribution programme will not be disrupted as Miyahuna will pump water to consumers from other resources, a company official told The Jordan Times.

“The company will continue pumping sufficient amounts of water to consumers according to the water distribution programme,” the official said.

Under the water distribution programme, households in Amman receive water once a week on a rotating basis. Scarce water resources in the country compelled the Kingdom to initiate the programme in the early 1980s to ensure a sustainable water supply for subscribers.

Miyahuna suspended pumping water from its resources in the capital and Madaba Governorate — including the Heidan wells, Zara-Maeen Water Treatment Plant, four Ruseifa wells, Wadi Al Seer spring and the Zai Water Treatment Plant. 

The decision was taken to avoid pumping water that doesn’t match drinking water standards as heavy rainfall on Monday raised turbidity levels.

The Heidan Valley, located 33 kilometres south of the capital, is home to streams and wells that supply Amman with part of its drinking water. 

Nine Heidan wells generate 1,450 cubic metres per hour daily, of which 600 cubic metres are channelled to the capital, according to official figures.

Meanwhile, the Zara-Maeen plant supplies the capital with 30 per cent of its water needs, while the Zai Water Treatment Plant provides another 40 per cent of its drinking water.

Pumping from the two plants is suspended several times during winter when water becomes muddy.