Implementation of Water-Efficient Landscape Programmes

Water-efficient landscape design, installation, management and maintenance can effectively reduce water demand. In accordance with the practices outlined in the Landscape Water Use Efficiency Guide, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs developed and implemented a water-efficient landscape programme in four main municipalities in the country. The Landscape Water Use Efficiency Guide provides information about the efficient use of water in the design, installation, management and maintenance of Jordan’s urban landscapes, whether new or existing, public or private. The primary focus of this Guide is recreational parks, street medians, and traffic circles. It also applies to large urban landscapes found at hotels, universities, hospitals and some residences. 

The programme applied the principles of xeriscaping (derived from the Greek xeros (dry)—the term literally meaning “dry landscape”) in the designing of new landscapes, and includes the development of a maintenance and irrigation plan for each new landscape. Xeriscaping refers to the conservation of water through creative landscaping. Originally developed for drought-afflicted areas, the principles of xeriscaping today have an ever-broadening appeal (source: Wikipedia). 

In addition, the municipality retrofitted existing large landscapes that do not conform to xeriscaping principles. The programme also offered several training courses in landscape design and maintenance for landscaping and gardening staff in the municipalities.