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?