The presentation was delivered at the 15th Gulf Water Conference organized by WSTA in Doha, Qatar. The focus was on introducing a practical business model for small-scale decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DWTS) and sludge management in Jordan. The research incorporated stakeholder engagement through interviews and focus group discussions with officials and private sector actors. The study analyzed major barriers and opportunities in policy, financing, implementation, and long-term operation to support sustainable DWTS adoption in Jordan and the region.
Abstract
Jordan faces increasing pressure on its water resources due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change, necessitating innovative and scalable wastewater management solutions. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DWTS) offer a viable alternative to centralized infrastructure, particularly for small communities, peri-urban areas, and remote locations. However, the sustainable adoption of DWTS in Jordan remains constrained by institutional, financial, and operational challenges.
This study presents a practical business model for small-scale decentralized wastewater treatment and sludge management in Jordan, developed to address these barriers and enhance long-term system viability. The research adopts a qualitative, stakeholder-driven approach, incorporating semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with key public-sector officials, regulators, municipalities, utilities, and private-sector service providers. The analysis focuses on identifying critical challenges and opportunities across policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, implementation models, and operation and maintenance arrangements.
Findings reveal that while DWTS are technically feasible and environmentally beneficial, their sustainability depends heavily on enabling governance structures, appropriate financing schemes, clear institutional roles, and private-sector participation. The proposed business model integrates stakeholder roles, cost-recovery mechanisms, service-based operation models, and sludge management strategies to ensure technical performance, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, utilities, and investors seeking to scale decentralized wastewater solutions in Jordan and similar water-scarce contexts. By aligning technical solutions with economic and institutional realities, the proposed model supports resilient wastewater management and contributes to sustainable water and sanitation objectives in the region.