‘Zara-Maeen pumping suspension will not disrupt water distribution’

AMMAN — Although pumping from the Zara-Maeen Water Treatment Plant remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Sunday, the capital’s water distribution programme will not be disrupted, according to an official source at the Jordan Water Company (Miyahuna).

“Miyahuna is pumping water to consumers from other resources,” the official told The Jordan Times on condition of anonymity.

Pumping was suspended from the Zara-Maeen plant, which supplies the capital with 30 per cent of its water needs, due to increased turbidity levels, he said. 

“Miyahuna stopped pumping water from the Zara-Maeen Water Treatment Plant to Amman on Saturday because the water is muddy following the heavy rain and snow.”

The decision was taken to avoid pumping water that does not match drinking water standards.

“Pumping water from the plant to Amman will remain suspended until water quality matches the standards,” the official highlighted.

“All other water resources and wells that supply the capital are operating,” he added.

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 serves 600,000 subscribers in Amman, 80 per cent of whom are linked to the sewage network, according to company figures.

The capital receives its water from different sources including the Disi Water Conveyance Project, Heidan wells, Zara-Maeen Water Treatment Plant, Ruseifa wells, Wadi Al Seer spring and the Zai Water Treatment Plant, which provides 40 per cent of its drinking water. 

Pumping from the Zara-Maeen and Zai plants is suspended several times during winter when heavy rainfall makes the water muddy.