Causes and effects of the 1990-1991 water crisis in Israel

Facing a severe three-year drought, water allocations in Israel were substantially cut in 1990 and 1991 with a minimum advance notice. A survey of the Water Board minutes reveals that the crisis was an unavoidable consequence of policies taken during the preceding decades. Investments in supply from developed water sources received priority over research and development of new sources. As withdrawals exceeded source potential, the storage above minimum permissible levels was exhausted. The operating storage was barely sufficient to furnish supply during a one-year drought. Water resources management had been planned for a case of medium replenishment only. Lessons learned include increased transfer of agricultural supply from fresh to treated sewage water, and a deeper consideration of drought situations in the planning of water projects.