Caesarea Beach
Israel is largely landlocked but its coast does include the Mediterranean and a fraction of the Red Sea.
The Negev Desert
Yet fresh water is scarce. Israel currently faces an ongoing drought that has lasted six years so far.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is one of the largest bodies of water in Israel, yet it is comprised mostly of salt and does not support any aquatic life.
Water Fountain Light Show
As a result, Israelis are taught to conserve as much water as possible on a personal level. Yet walking the streets of its cities, you would never know they were strapped for H2O. This is a water fountain light show in the city of Tiberius.
Fountain in Israeli Mall
A fountain in an Israeli mall.
Tel Aviv Fountain
A fountain in Tel Aviv.
Faucet Fountain
Although Israelis learn in school to turn off the faucet, water waste appears to be everywhere.
The Jordan River
So where does all this fresh water come from? The Jordan River brings Israel much of its fresh water. However, the Jordan River is thin and flows through three countries: Israel, Jordan, and Syria. All of which suffer from lack of water.
Overlooking Syria
This is a huge source of contention between Israel and Syria. Syria has made several attempts to divert the Jordan River.
Overlooking the Sea of Galilee
The Jordan River flows into the Sea of Galilee. This small reservoir represents one third of Israel\'s fresh water.
Israeli Stream
Another one tenth of Israel’s fresh water supply comes from small streams like this one.
Tel Aviv Fountain II
So how can Israel afford to have such lavish fountains like this one in Tel Aviv?
Water Fountain at Western Wall
Or bring water to a drinking fountain like this one at the Western Wall?
Roman Aqueduct at Caesarea
For centuries, the inhabitants of Israel/Palestine have had to get creative with how they transport water. This is the Caesarea Aqueduct. It was built by the Romans after they conquered this part of Israel in 63 BC.
Water Pipe in Tzfat
Israel’s Modern aqueduct is a complex series of pipes distributing water throughout the nation. Like this pipe in Tzfat.
Water Pipes in Tiberius
Or this one in Tiberius.
Farming Irrigation Pipe
These pipes are incredibly useful for Israel\'s farmers. Israel does not import much produce. Vast amounts of land are devoted to farming and due to limited rainfall, irrigation and water piping is needed to sustain crops.
Extreme Poverty in the Negev I
Unfortunately the fresh water isn’t distributed evenly.
Extreme Poverty in the Negev II
The poorer communities suffer the most.
Water in the Negev
Instead, vast amounts of resources are used to transport water to the Negev Desert. The goal is to “make the desert bloom.”
Water Pipes in the Negev
Desert Farming requires an elaborate irrigation system to work because the crops cannot rely on rain water. That is what these pipes are for. As a consequence, ground water rapidly depletes.
Desert Farm
Farming in Israel’s Negev Desert creates a desert lush with vegetation, however, it comes at a heavy cost. It greatly reduces Israel’s fresh water supply and keeps water from getting to those who need it most.
Produce Shipment in Jerusalem
Desert farming is a double-edged sword for sustainability. By growing its own produce, Israel reduces shipping costs and fossil fuel emissions. Yet, it must rely heavily on its irrigation system and fresh water supply, which is dwindling in a land wrought with political turmoil and uncertainty.
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