This book is the result of a joint research effort led by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and involving the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan, the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and the Palestine Health Council. It discusses opportunities for enhancement of water supplies and avoidance of overexploitation of water resources in the Middle East. Based on the concept that ecosystem goods and services are essential to maintaining water quality and quantity, the book emphasizes conservation, improved use of current technologies, and water management approaches that are compatible with environmental quality.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction and Background
2 The Study Area and Patterns of Water Use
3 Factors Affecting Patterns of Water Use
4 Water and the Environment
5 Options for the Future: Balancing Water Demand and Water Resources
Appendix A: Excerpts from the Treaty of Peace Between the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Appendix B: Excerpts from the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip
Appendix C: Effects of Water Use on Biodiversity in the Study Area
Appendix D: Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Rivers
Appendix E: Bibliography
Appendix F: List of Meeting Places and Dates
Appendix G: Committee on Sustainable Water Supplies for the Middle east Biographical Sketches