June 1999
1. GENERAL
Israel has had an ongoing water deficit for a number of years. The amount
of water consumed is greater than the amount of water collected from
rainfall. In a drought year, the situation worsens, because the amount of
water in reservoirs and the amount of water flowing in rivers and streams
is significantly decreased.
There are a number of long-term solutions, such as building water
desalination facilities. Short-term solutions include conserving water and
building sewage water reclamation plants. Treatment of sewage water
accomplishes two purposes: first, supplying purified water to the major
water consumers, agriculture and industry; and second, preserving the
environment and the quality of the aquifers.
In Israel, there is a growing awareness of the importance of conserving
and purifying water. In public gardens and parks, the municipalities are
requested to give preference to plants that do not require much water, and
to reduce grassy areas. Car-wash facilities receive an operating license
on condition that they purify and recycle the water. Local authorities are
required to build facilities for treating sewage water, and Israeli
farmers were asked to stop raising crops with high water consumption, and
to go over to sophisticated cultivation methods that conserve water (such
as hothouses and improved irrigation systems).
Because of the drought this year, the government decided to cut the amount
of water allocated to agriculture. Forty percent of the water allocation
for vegetables, and 20 percent for aquaculture will be cut. During the
summer months, possibilities for further cuts in the municipal, industrial
and private sectors will be examined.
2. THE WATER ISSUE IN JUDEA, SAMARIA AND GAZA IN LIGHT OF THE INTERIM
AGREEMENT
Despite the cut in water allocations within Israel, and despite the supply
of the considerable amounts of water mandated by the peace treaty with
Jordan, the Water Commissioner, Mr. Meir Ben Meir, announced that the
Commission has no intention of cutting the amount of water allocated to
the Palestinian Authority, and is even planning to examine the possibility
of increasing it.
In contrast to claims by the Palestinian side, Israel did not determine
the amount of water to be supplied to the territories. The amount was
determined in negotiations between the two sides, with the Americans
participating. By the consent of both parties, the amount of water was
increased relative to the situation prior to the Interim Agreement.
Similarly, a formula was decided upon for increasing the water allocation
gradually over the interim period.
The agreement defines the number of wells that Israel is obligated to dig,
and the number the P.A. and international bodies are obligated to dig.
Cooperation on issues of sewage and environment was also defined. It was
decided that jurisdiction over water would be transferred to the
Palestinians in the framework of the transfer of civil powers. It was
further decided to establish joint monitoring teams.
Israel has fulfilled all of her obligations under the Interim Agreement.
The water quota agreed upon, and more, is being supplied. Jurisdiction
over water was transferred completely and on time. Israel approved the
additional digging of wells. Israel and the P.A. carry out joint patrols
to locate cases of water theft and other water-related problems.
IN SUMMARY
1. Israel has implemented her part of the agreement concerning water.
2. Water matters, like other civil powers, have been for some time under
the full responsibility of the P.A.
3. Israel is aware of the water shortage in the territories, which is part
of the general water shortage in the area (from which Israel is suffering
as well).
4. Against this background, many actions are being undertaken by Israel,
the P.A. and donor states, separately and in concert, to improve the water
situation in the territories.
5. Despite the water shortage in the area, Israel continues to supply the
same amount of water to the P.A. and is even searching for ways to
increase this amount and to find solutions to the problem. This is in
spite of the substantial decrease in water allocations in Israel, and
despite problems of adequate cooperation with the P.A. concerning
recycling and conservation of water.