Sustainable Extraction

Use of sustainable technologies for water extraction from aquifers, lakes or rivers on and off campus.

Introduction

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) adopts a comprehensive and environmentally responsible approach to water extraction, ensuring that all sources – whether groundwater, well-based extraction, or harvested rainwater – are managed through sustainable technologies and scientifically guided practices. This approach prioritizes the protection of natural water systems, prevents over-extraction, and safeguards surrounding ecosystems from contamination or depletion both on and beyond campus boundaries.

AAU’s sustainable extraction processes operate under an officially approved institutional governance framework that defines the standards, monitoring mechanisms, and operational controls applied to all water extraction activities. This framework ensures that water resources are utilized efficiently, ethically, and in full alignment with environmental sustainability principles. The university’s guiding policies and procedures include:

Campus Water Consumption Management Policy

Water Security and Conservation Collaboration Policy

Water Reuse Procedure

Water Treatment and Reuse Policy

Through these frameworks, AAU promotes responsible groundwater use, strengthens rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and eliminates reliance on extraction methods that could compromise ecological balance. Sustainable technologies – such as controlled-flow systems, water quality monitoring, and environmentally safe pumping mechanisms – ensure that every stage of the extraction process adheres to best environmental practices and national regulatory standards.

By prioritizing aquifer protection and ecosystem preservation, AAU directly supports SDG 6.6 (Protect and Restore Water-Related Ecosystems) and contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), while reinforcing SDG 13 (Climate Action) through climate-resilient water management strategies.

Centers and Departments

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01Sustainability and International Ranking Center – Oversight and Monitoring

Oversees all sustainable extraction policies, ensures compliance with SDG targets, and compiles annual reports on water source management. Leads governance, auditing, and reporting of sustainable water extraction data.

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02General Supplies and Services Department – Infrastructure and Operations

Operates and maintains all water extraction systems including wells, rainwater harvesting tanks, and supply pipelines. Ensures safe and efficient extraction operations according to national water regulations.

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03Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research – Research and Innovation

Conducts applied studies on groundwater sustainability, water recovery technologies, and extraction efficiency optimization. Bridges scientific research with sustainable engineering practices.

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04Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center (PDRC) – Quality Testing and Environmental Safety

Monitors extracted and stored water quality through regular chemical and microbiological testing. Ensures compliance with national environmental health standards.

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05Finance Department – Budgeting for Sustainability Technologies

Allocates funding for the installation of smart monitoring, pumping efficiency systems, and water recovery technologies. Supports infrastructure investment and resource accountability.

Activities

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01Operation of Sustainable Water Extraction Wells (Ongoing)

AAU operates licensed groundwater wells with limited extraction rates, fully compliant with the Campus Water Consumption Management Policy. Extraction volumes are monitored through smart meters connected to the Sustainability Center’s data system. This ensures responsible and efficient use of groundwater resources.

02Rainwater Harvesting and Storage Systems

AAU has implemented a rainwater harvesting system across selected buildings, storing runoff in underground reservoirs to supplement irrigation and cleaning water needs. This initiative reduces reliance on groundwater and promotes sustainable extraction alternatives.

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03Smart Pumping and Flow Control Technologies

Installation of smart pumping units and automated flow controllers to reduce energy consumption and prevent over-extraction from wells. This reflects AAU’s integration of digital technologies for environmental protection.

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04Groundwater Quality Monitoring Program (Quarterly)

The PDRC conducts regular quality testing for extracted water to ensure compliance with the Water Treatment and Reuse Policy and national standards. This guarantees that all extracted water is safe, treated, and reused where possible.

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05AAU Participates in the Smart Agriculture Conference in Tunisia

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU), represented by the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, participated in the Smart Agriculture Conference in Tunisia, presenting research and practical experiences in sustainable water extraction and irrigation management. The conference gathered experts from across the region to discuss innovative methods for reducing groundwater depletion, enhancing water-use efficiency, and adopting renewable technologies in agricultural production. AAU showcased its initiatives on smart irrigation systems, aquifer monitoring, and rainwater harvesting, highlighting how data-driven technologies contribute to sustainable water extraction within Jordan’s semi-arid climate. The participation reflects AAU’s commitment to the [Water Security and Conservation Collaboration Policy] and [Water Treatment and Reuse Policy], which promote responsible water governance and circular water systems. This initiative reinforces AAU’s role in advancing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by integrating technology with sustainable resource management..

Impact Evaluation & Development Plan

Performance Evaluation

Groundwater extraction volume (2024): Maintained within regulatory limit per WAJ license.
Alternative water sources: 25% of total water use supplied by rainwater harvesting and treated reuse systems.
Monitoring coverage: 100% of wells equipped with digital meters.
Energy savings: 20% reduction in pumping energy through smart technologies.
Environmental compliance: 100% adherence to national extraction and environmental safety standards.

Development Actions

Action 1: Expand rainwater harvesting capacity by 40% through additional storage tanks. Action 2: Integrate AI-based extraction forecasting to predict and optimize well operation cycles. Action 3: Collaborate with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation on research and aquifer sustainability projects. Action 4: Conduct training workshops for engineers and staff on eco-efficient water extraction techniques. Action 5: Develop a Sustainable Extraction Monitoring Report integrated within the annual sustainability report.
Benchmarking & Best Practice
Adopted Practice: Aligned with Jordanian Water Authority (WAJ) extraction regulations, FAO Groundwater Management Guidelines, and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems. Local Adaptation: AAU applies localized extraction controls, smart metering, and reuse integration suited to Jordan’s semi-arid context, ensuring groundwater resilience and minimal environmental impact. Future Benchmark Goal (by 2028):
- Maintain zero over-extraction status annually.
- Supply 35% of total campus water from sustainable non-freshwater sources (reuse + rainwater).
- Publish biannual groundwater sustainability reports verified by external agencies.
Institutional Integration Summary Sustainable extraction is embedded within AAU’s Water Management and Sustainability Strategy, linking the Sustainability and International Ranking Center, Facilities Department, PDRC, and Hourani Research Center. This integrated system ensures that extraction operations are regulated, monitored, and environmentally safe. The collaboration between scientific research, policy governance, and operational monitoring guarantees that water use at AAU remains sustainable and transparent. This holistic model positions the university as a national example in responsible water resource extraction, directly contributing to SDG 6.6 (Protect Water Ecosystems) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).