Integrated Water Resources

Management – The Israeli Model

Shimon Tal
talshimon@stal-consulting.com
October 2017

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Precipitations

Transition zone
between the desert
and the Temperate
zone

The effect of the global warming

on the rainfalls in the Middle East

2
Rainfall - a national weight

Data from the Hydrological Service, Water Authority,

Each Natural Water Resource has:
September 2017 Upper level – above which there are
losses of water and possible
economical damages
Green level – target level
Black level – the lowest level under
which there is a danger to water
quality

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 Pressure on the Natural Water Resources
17200

Ramat-HaSharon
Aquifer Sensitive Areas
VOCs (  g/L)
136
135
133
132 9.2 TCE
0.5 1,2-DCA
17000
1999 - 2001 129 134

8.5 THM
130 131 0.1 TCE
128
650 TCE
0.9 1,2-DCA 127
iver
kon R
Hayar
126
0.2 TCE
Hayarkon Park
16800 125
I
0.5 1,2-DCA
Petah Tikva
70
76 124
68 56.1 1,1-DCE
71 85
5.3 TCE 0.31 EDB
31.8 PCE 59
16600 45 53 55
1.1 1,2-DCA 2.1 1,2-DCA

1.3 1,2-DCA
60
82
Tel Aviv 0.2 1,1-DCE
47 50 91.838.4
PCEPCE
2.2 1,2-DCA 122
123
81
0.2 1,2-DCA
0.06 TCE 37
2132
CCl4
33
Azrieli 197 TCE
1.3 1,2-DCA
38
40 1.9 1,2-DCA2.5 TCE
2.4 1,2-DCA 1.5 1,2-DCA
16400 Center 34
Magen 0.3 1,2-DCA 25
80
23 27.6 1,1-DCE 118
120
119
21 24 1.5 26
1,2-DCA
2.4 1,2-DCA
1.8 CCl4 121
77 30 1,1-DCE224 THM 1.4 1,2-DCA
17 116

1
78
17 1,1-DCE 10
22.6 TCE
73
0.54 CHCl311 IV 13
0.11 CHCl3
84

8.2 TCE
113 23
115
117
PCE
1 TCE

0.2 1,2-DCE
25.3 PCE 0.1 1,2-DCE 83 0.8 TCE 114
0.1 PCE
7.8 TCE 79 18
111 0.5 TCE
16200 62 TCE
7.8 TCE
1.8 1,2-DCA
1.7 PCE
112
Aya
109
II 110

2.6 THM
lon
Rive 11.1 1,1-DCE
r Safari Park
16.2 1.1-DCE
108
16000 Hiria
N

Sh
5 THM
102
105
III

af
103

iri
1 1,2-DCA 106
15 TCE 104 107

m
1.3 TCE
Bat

Ri
97 5.1 TCE 0.15 PCE
99

ve
98
Yam 100

r
96 3 1,1-DCE 101
91
15800 0.5 1,2-DCA
0.24 TCE
0.4 1,2-DCA 90 93
0.4 1,2-DCA TRANSIENT DATA
89 2392TCE 94 95 IN 90 WELLS
86
87
22 TCE
-
0.8 1,2-DCA 0.6 CCl4
0.4 1,2-DCA
84 TCE
88 VOCs detected
2 km 5.2 TCE in 82% of wells
15600
12600 12800 13000 13200 13400 13600 13800
Fig. 8. Aquifer sensitive areas. Each filled circle represents a sampled pumping well during the period
1999 to 2001. Well designations are reported above the filled circle (see appendix II), and the
concentration of the VOC component in ug/L is reported in bold typeface below the filled circle. The
VOC having maximum concentration relative to the Israel Drinking Water Standard (IDWS) is
presented for each well. Colored areas are drawn on the basis of percent of the IDWS:
Area I >= 100% of IDWS; Area II 50% to <100% of IDWS; Area III 10% to <50% of IDWS; Area IV
0 < VOC <10% of IDWS. The shape and extent of each area is transient. The small white square
denotes the location of the former IMI Magen complex. The black rectangle denotes the location
of our initial study area. The landmarks are schematically represented.

Population Growth Global Warming Deterioration of Water

Resources - Contamination

4
Israel shares International Water
Resources with its neighbours

Sharing mutual water

resources

Syria 70%

Israel 40%

Jordan 30%

5
 Consumption
Trends

2015 in mcm

Domestic 778
Agriculture Marginal 666

Agriculture Fresh 451

Industry 115
Neighbours 48 + 72

Nature 36

6
 Municipal Consumption
Activities % Specific Years
Domestic Use
cm/c/y Specific Domestic Use cm/c/y
Awareness of -8% 112.5-103.5 1998-2008
public
Tariffs, Saving -16% 103.5-85.6 2008-2011
Water Devices
120
115
Consumption per Capita per Year

110
105
100
95 Target – Master Plan
90
85
2050
80
m3

75 90 m3/c/y
70
65
60
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

7
 How much water we need for all purposes per capita per year
Average Global Consumption 1,076 m3/c/y for all human needs ( “Scientific
American” Aug. 2008)

In Israel 3,900 l/d or 1,400 m3/c/y (70% for food production) – my

calculations

Actual consumption in Israel 235 m3/c/y

Need to import of products – food, industrial products

“Virtual Water” – Prof. Tony Alan

8
The water Law relates to Water Consumption

Article 1 – “ Water resources belong to the public, and managed by the government for the
benefit of the people and for the development of the country”.
The water sector is responsible to the existence of external objectives or national interests.
These external objectives are determined by the decision makers (the government). External
objectives in Israel are agriculture, water for nature, water relations with our neighbours
(agreements), social welfare etc.

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Agriculture
Landscape values – quality envelop to urban areas
Social values – heritage values, the relationship between nation and land, keeping
national lands, food security and security perception - protection of borders
Ecological values – recharge of ground water, air quality, use of wastewater and
sludge.

Government resolution no. 828 from January 6, 2000 – keep agriculture in the same size and
same location.
Agriculture consume more than 50% of the water in Israel – but less than 2% of economy.

10
Renewable fresh Water Resources in the World

Availability of renewable freshwater

Global Average 5,926 m3/c/y

Shortage “RED LINE” of the UN 500 m3/c/y

India (The Data Green Book of the World Bank) 1,311

m3/c/y

Israel and the M.East 150 m3/c/y !!!

30% of the “RED LINE” = Severe Shortage

Failure to act imposes an inability to exist in this area after

2030

Redistribution of existing water resources is not a solution

to water conflicts in the M. East – only cooperation in the
manufacture of new water resources can be a solution.
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Regional Water Balance 2030

Agriculture Natural Water

2.6 bm3 Resources
2.6 bm3

Reuse of all
5.1
sewage effluents
Industry bm3
for irrigation
0.4 bm3
1.1 bm3

Manufactured Water
Municipal Resources
2.1 bm3 2030 – 1.4 bm3 ( +50% )
2045 – 2.6 bm3 ( +100%)
of natural potential

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The Principles of Integrated Water Resources
Management in Israel

IWRM is based on The Legal Framework

3 Pillars
*The Law for supervision on Water Drillings 1955
1. The Legal *The Law for Water Measurements 1955
Framework *The Water Law 1959
*The Law for Drainage and Prevention of Floods 1955
2. The National *Public Health regulations – Rules for Wastewater
Water Carrier Treatment and Effluents Standards 2010
*Public Health regulations – Quality Standards for
3. The Institutional Drinking Water 2013
Framework *The Law for Municipal Water and Wastewater
Corporations 2001

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The Water Law 1959

The prevailing view is that there is a shortage of water and therefore it is

necessary to use them for efficiency and priorities

The Water Law determine the principles for the IWRM of the Israeli Water
Sector.

Water resources belong to the public and under the control of the government
as a trustee.

Water can be used for the benefit of the people and for the development of
the country.

Very wide determination of Water.

Emphasis on water resources conservation.

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The Water Law 1959

People are expected and obliged to use water efficiently and keep water
infrastructures in good conditions.
Full administrative control on water activities – consumption, production,
supply, contamination etc.
The need for Yearly license for any activities in the Water Sector – Water
Allocations

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The National Water System – The National Water Carrier
-Connects 95% of the fresh water resources

- Connects 95% of the regional fresh water supply systems

- Enables efficient utilization of water resources according with their

hydrological conditions

- Enables mobilization of water from one resource to the other

-Serves the need to convey water from the resources to the

settlements and development areas.

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 Institutional Framework

The Governmental Authority for Water & Sewage

- Planning
- Regulation
Institutional reform 2006 Water Commissioner Office  The Governmental Authority for Water &
Sewage ( The Water Authority )
1. Gathering of all regulatory bodies under one roof  possibility to manage the whole “Water
Chain”  Efficiency
2. Drawing clear border between Water Management and Water Policy politicians are no longer
involved in the management of the water sector ( water tariffs etc.)
3. All the main stakeholders in the water are involved in decisions making ( Water Authority Council -
high rank representatives of Ministries - Infrastructures, Finance, Interior Affairs, Environmental
Protection, Agriculture and Rural Development, Health and Public Representatives.

17
 Institutional Framework

“Mekorot” – the National Water Company

Local Authorities - incorporation of water & sewage services
Rural Water Associations
Suppliers, Consumers

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 The Change of the Policy for IWRM in Israel

“Magen – Parliamentary Investigation Committee 2002”

“ The Committee determines that the Water Sector of Israel is in the state of a deep and lasting
crisis that reached a critic point. The crisis is reflected in the deterioration of water resources
and accumulated deficit of 2 bm3 in the natural water resources of the country”

“ This dismal and amazing result is an ongoing foul of the Governments in Israel, that ignored
the address written on the wall. The crisis is not due to climate change or the significant
increase in population and standards of living in the last 50 years. The grandiose failure is
essentially man-made !!!.”

“The Committee wishes to point out that during the current Government's term vigorous
actions to treat water crisis were taken….The Minister of National Infrastructures together with
the Prime minister caused the beginning of actions that will — believe and hope- bring the
recovery of the water sector “

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The Change of the Policy for IWRM in Israel

 2000 – “Walking on the Edge”

2000  - “ Sustainable approach”

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 Sustainable approach to IWRM – Objectives, Plans and
Activities

Reliable Water Supply for all needs

Balance between Water Resources and Water Consumption

Operational Volume of natural Water Resources that enable to balance shortage of water during a series of
drought years.

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 Sustainability in the Water Sector
Resources Demands

Natural Water Resources Essential needs and Quality of Living

Domestic, Municipal, Industry
Groundwater, Lakes, Floods,
Springs, Streams
National Interests
Agriculture
Landscape Values - High quality shell
to residential areas
Social Values - Heritage Values,
Depletion of Water Relations between people and their
lands, Keeping national lands, Security
Resources  Accumulation
Ecological Values – Ground water
of salts  Decrease in
enrichment , quality of the air, disposal
Fertility  Poverty of sewage effluents
-Water for Nature
-Peace Agreements – the Water Chapter

22
 Sustainability in the Water Sector
Resources Demands

Natural Water Resources Essential needs and Quality of Living

Domestic, Municipal, Industry
Groundwater, Lakes, Floods,
Springs, Streams
National Interests
Agriculture
Landscape Values - High quality shell
to residential areas
Social Values - Heritage Values,
Relations between people and their
Manufactured Water
lands, Keeping national lands, Security
Resources  Desalinated
Ecological Values – Ground water
Water, Reuse of Sewage
enrichment , quality of the air, disposal
Effluents, Efficient Use of sewage effluents
-Water for Nature
-Peace Agreements – the Water Chapter

23
 Reliability of water supply

Reliability is achieved by production of manufacturing additional water resources and by the management of the
operational storage of the natural water resources.

The total volume of the operational storage is determined to be ~ 3,000 mm3

The natural recharge of the water resources:

- Annual shortage in extreme year can reach 850 mcm
- 3 years shortage can be 1,800 mcm
- 10 years shortage can be 2,000 mcm
- Excess in an extreme can change between 2,100 to 1,060 mm3

The decision is to have 1,500 mcm at the beginning of the winter (~ 50 %)

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Rehabilitation of the natural water resources level
of water and store the water for tough periods.

The recommended levels of water resources will

create operational storage of 1,500 mcm in natural
water resources at the beginning of the winter.

Operational levels (low and top) will be determined

for each resource

Over pumping will be prevented.

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 Demand management – Saving water

Demand management is no less important than resource management

The saved water are the cheapest and the most available among all the manufactured water
resources – most of the investments were done already

There are technical, economical, administrative and legal means to gain efficient use of water

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 Demand management in the domestic - municipal sector

The target for municipal use of water was determined in 2010 to be 90 m3/c/y (in the past it reached
115 m3/c/y)

The target for unaccounted for water in the municipal grid is 10%

120

Consumption per Capita per

115
110
105
100
95

Year m3
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

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 Demand Management – Saving Water
Technical Means
Installation of saving water devices in households (55%) and in public institutions
and in Government offices

The use of electric valves for water in sinks

Toilet with two quantities 6/3 liters instead of 9/4.5 liters

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 Demand Management – Saving Water
Technical Means

Irrigation Control systems

Pressure Control in the water
for gardens
supply systems
And saving water vegetation

DMA – District Metered Area

Water reuse in washing car – part of the net closed by
machines water meters (entrances and
exits)

Active Leakage Control – active

AMR – Automatic Water control on leakages – continuous
Reading – Radio, Wi-Fi, water balance, Acoustic means.
Internet
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 Demand management – Saving Water Aadministrative
and legal Means

Water Allocations

Assets management – repair policies, rehabilitation

Awareness campaign for saving and efficient use – raising public awareness and educational activities
( for all ages)

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 Demand management – Saving water
Economic Tools

Water tariffs represent the real cost for water supply to the end user.

Progressive tariffs for domestic use – incentive to save water.

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 Demand management in the Agricultural Sector

Facts:

The agricultural productivity per unit of water were doubled!! Between 1988 to 2001.
From 2001 to 2011 there was additional grow of 41%

The report of the OECD (The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) the water
consumption in Israel per one dunam (1/10 hectare) was reduced from 700 m3/dunam in 1990 to
500 cm/dunam at 2000. The average of the OECD countries is 750 m3/dunam

Motivation for efficiency – Water Tariffs almost cover the costs

Reduction of aid to agriculture. 1995 – 24%, 2006 – 17%

OECD average – 23%

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 Demand management in the Agricultural Sector

2.1 Technological improvements:

1.98 2.02
1.9 Agricultural Production per unit 1.91
of water - Advanced Irrigation Technologies –
1.7 1.66
1.64 Drip Irrigation, Low Volume Sprinklers
1.59
1.5 1.43 1.47 1.56 1.55
1.38 - Management of Irrigation – on line
1.3 1.31
monitoring – fast reaction to faults,
1.1
1.15
2000 –> 2011 Monitoring the need of the plants,
1.00
0.9
0.98 +41% regulating the water and fertilizers

0.7 - Genetic manipulation in seeds to

0.5
produce much more efficient crops
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

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 Desalination (Brackish and Seawater)

Why ?

34
35
Reverse
‫אוסמוזה‬ Distillation
‫איוד‬
Osmosis
‫הפוכה‬

36
Spiral – Wound RO Membrane

37
Diluted Solution Concentrated Exterior
Solution Pressure

Osmosis Reverse Osmosis

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39
Desalination Capacity of Sea Water 2017

Mm3/y

Year

40
41
 Reuse of Sewage Effluents

Advantages Disadvantages

Cheaper in compare to fresh Difficult to insure quality

water (policy).
Health Limits
Sewage treatment is more
efficient Future possible impacts on
plants, soils and water
Reduces the environmental resources
impacts of sewage
Low reliability – chain (sewage
High reliability for production, treatment, reuse)
Agriculture ?

42
Irrigation with reused sewage effluents

Artificial Reservoirs Pipes

Pumping Stations Chlorinators

43
Reuse of Sewage Effluents in Israel

485 mm3/ y ~ 85%

Tertiary Treatment- unlimited

irrigation

In the future – Possible removak of

dissolved solids – membrane
treatment

Improved quality due to desalination.

44
 Manufactured Water in Israel

Year Desalination Reused Total % of

Mm3/y Sewage Mm3/y Natural
Effluents Resourcs
Mm3/y
2000 20 280 300 22%

2008 150 340 490 36%

2016 650 485 1135 84%

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Economic tools for Water Management
Water Tariff 2016
Uniform Tariff Low Tariff 6.56 Nis/m3
Without VAT 8.94 Nis/m3 High Tariff 10.56 Nis/m3

4.5% -4.5%
Wastewate Subsidies Last year Mekorot Desalination
Utilitie 1.92
s 4.08 r treatment 0.26 repair -0.39 1.45
1.62

Capital costs Energy 0.42

water &
wastewater 1.15
O&M 0.43
O&M water and
wastewater 1.78
Capital costs 0.88
Unaccounted
for & collections
of money 1.15 Treatment 0.19

46
 Economic tools for Water Management
Water tariffs reduction 2014 – 4%; 2015 – 6%; 2016 – 3%
Water tariffs for gardening do not include wastewater
treatment

Utility A Utility B
Same tariffs over
all Israel
Expenses A Expenses B

Mekorot
tariffs

47
Red Sea – Dead Sea Conveyance Pilot
Desalination in Aqaba &
brine discharge to the Dead Sea Pilot / Phase I of
Dead
Sea
the RSDSP
Discharge

ISRAEL JORDAN

Desalination
Plant
0 20 km

Sea Water
Intake Desalinated Water
Red Sea Reject Brine
49
50
 Dead Sea
Phase I - 100 – 120 mcm brine from
desalination plant in Akaba.
Study of the ecological aspects of
blending brine in the dead Sea
52
 Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian
Authority agree to initiate the RSDSP

May 9, 2005
‫חתימה על מזכר ההבנות‬
9/12/2013 ,‫בוושינגטון‬

Shadad Attily,
Larry Silverman, Palestinian Auth.
US State Dept.
Hazim Naser, Inger Andersen,
Silvan Shalom, Jordan World Bank
Israel
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