Israel has been facing water’s shortage for quite some time now. The country has had a nationwide campaign stressing upon the importance of saving water. However, by making use of a combination of conservation, reuse, and desalination; the country now has more water than it needs. According to experts, this could expedite the political progress for the country in the Middle East. Keep in mind that the Middle East is one of the most water-stressed areas of the world.
The water level of the river Jordan has fallen drastically since the ’60s. The once mighty river has become a shallow river that is barely running. Back in the ’60s, the pilgrims that made their visit to the river Jordan were under the threat of drowning. Whereas now even children can play in the river without the risk of drowning. The flow of the river Jordan has been diverted for years by Israel and neighbors to supply drinking water to the population and to use its water for irrigational purposes. The river is down 95% from its once monumental flow – just to give you a perspective.
Despite the downfall of river Jordan, there is good news just around the corner as hope is taking place that the river might return to its former glory days because Israel has managed to get a surplus of water supply thanks to its policy of conservation, reuse, and desalination.
Israel reuses 86% of its water as opposed to the USA that reuses 1% of its water. Israel treats not only grey water but also the black water and uses it for a plethora of purposes.
In under 10 years, Israel has managed to build five desalination plants along the Mediterranean coast. The plants are built at Ashkelon, Ashdod, Sorek, Palmachim, and Hadera and cost around $400 million each.
Watch the following piece of coverage by PBS to learn more about Israel has managed to tackle its water problem and is able to generate more water than it needs!
