Download - Water Policy in Israel
Water Policy in IsraelAdaptation to Climate and Regional Change
By Oren BukspanEOS 406 – Spring 2014
Effects of Climate ChangePrecipitation levels dropping in the Levant
Accompanied by surface temperature increaseLess aquifer recharge – Upper Jordan River
Coastal aquifer – seawater intrusionLand quality – decrease in suitability for
cultivationChanging temperatures, changing crops?
Temperature and water supply
Structure in Israel Israel’s economics approach to water
Sells water for residential, industrial, agriculturalThree separate ministries involved:
National Infrastructures, Energy, and Water Resources
Environmental Protection Health
Water Authority National InfrastructuresRecent history of unprecedented drought
Upper and Lower Red, Black Lines
Goals & Recommendations
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)Combines equity, economy, sustainability Combine responsibilities and reach of ministries
Eliminate water subsidies to industry, agricultureWith desalination, water production costs are
rising$0.60 – $0.80 vs. $0.15 – $0.45
Diversification: virtual/gray/treated-waste water?
Prior AttemptsWater Authority campaigns to reduce
consumption
Distribution of “water discharge regulators”Easy to install, save water by reducing flow
Residential economic disincentivesTechnology: modern drip irrigation
Challenges & SetbacksDesalination is a success: are we done?
“As of early 2013…the Water Authority feels it can say with confidence that Israel has beaten the drought.”
“There’s no water problem because of the desalination…the problem is no longer on the agenda.”
Population growth – subsidies for large familiesHas irreversible damage already been done?
Or: how much change will be enough?Sea of Galilee, Aquifer Recharge, Seawater Intrusion
Questions?