Showing papers on "Water scarcity published in 1994"

A Strategy for Managing Water in the Middle East and North Africa

Abstract: Water has always been of central concern to life in the Middle East and North Arica (MENA). Early civilizations emerged along the Tigris-Euphrates and Nile, and the struggle for water shaped life in desert communities. But concerns of the past are dwarfed by those of the present century. Burgeoning populations are placing unprecedented pressures on the resource, calling urgently for new approaches to water planning and management if escalating conflicts are to be avoided and if environmental degradation is to be reversed. The new Water Resources Management Policy, approved by the Board in May 1993, requires a shift in focus from the needs of individual water-using sectors to an integrated management approach. Water is to be explicitly treated as a key resource for economic and social development, with emphasis placed on managing water demands and water quality in the interests of the whole community. This booklet sets out the implications of the new Bank policy for the MENA region, calling for a concerted effort by government and Bank staff to address water resources in a coordinated and sustainable manner. It proposes a practical, step-by-step approach to achieving this objective that could lead to new Bank-supported operations to address the water sector as a whole.

Reforming water allocation policy through markets in tradable water rights: lessons from Chile, Mexico, and California

Abstract: Increasing water scarcity, rising costs of irrigation subsidies, and general economic liberalization are creating strong incentives for comprehensive water reform with establishment of tradable water rights and the development of markets in these rights. Experiences in Chile, Mexico, and California indicate that water allocation through markets in tradable water rights offers a viable approach to improving the efficiency of water allocation, and should receive serious consideration from developing country policy makers. Laws establishing tradable rights should be simple and comprehensive, should clearly define the characteristics of water rights and the conditions and regulations governing the trade of water rights; should establish and implement water rights registers; delineate the roles of the government, institutions, and individuals involved in water allocation and the ways of solving conflicts between them; and provide cost-effective protection against negative third party and environmental effects which can arise from water trades.

Water in the Middle East: Legal, Political and Commercial Implications

Abstract: Part I - Legal and political perspectives: the International Law Commission and Middle East waters, A. Khasswneh International watercourses - World Bank experience and policy, R. Krishna regulating the competitive use of fresh water resources, F. Du Bois international law of environmental rights - remedies for pollution injury, A. Boyle customs and the shari'a the rights that attach to water, C. Mallat petite et grande hydraulique - Moroccan models, M. Zirari Devif building international water managements institutions - the role of treaties and other legal arrangements, J. Dellapenna the Nile - constraints and opportunities for basin-wide co-operation, I. Tamrat water resources in the Middle East - some guiding principles, A. El Morr Turkey and the River Euphrates - the context within international law, H. Chalabi the West Bank between Palestine, Israel and Jordan, A. Qasem law and water in the Gaza Strip, E. Benvenisti. Part 2 Commercial perspectives: the potential role of privatization in the management of water resources in the Middle East, D. Storer is water an exploitable commercial product?, D. Kinnersley sources of financing - an analysis of World Bank policies, G. Matthews opportunities for private sector banks, T. Kassem political and economic risk assessment for the provider of funds, J. Roberts engineering and water shortage in the Middle East, T. Evans water technology and the future, J. Wellbank and J. Keary sustainable development of water resources in Jordan, Manuel Schiffler policy options for downstream states, Greg Shapland water in the Gaza Strip, Yusuf Abu Mailah striking the right price for water?, J.A. Allan.

Expertise, Elites, and Resource Management Reform: Resisting Agricultural Water Conservation in California's Imperial Valley

Abstract: An explanation of why the management of natural resources sometimes benefits an elite few, how the exercise of expertise contributes to this, and how traditional and inefficient resource use can continue. Water scarcity in Southern California forces the nation's largest irrigation district to conserve and transfer water to urban areas. Elites resist reform with expert help, and when overcome by events, use the authority of expertise to legitimize reforms which benefit their interests.

International Inland Waters: Concepts for a More Active World Bank Role

Abstract: It is now widely recognized that ensuring the supply of water at an affordable cost and of acceptable quality for domestic consumption, food production, and other uses in the early years of the next century will be very difficult. Efficient use, effective conservation, and comprehensive management of the available water resources are essential to address this crisis. These objectives take a long time to achieve. They are more difficult to address in the case of international rather than national river basins. This paper has been part of a larger effort within the World Bank to review its policies and strategies for assisting developing countries in comprehensive management of their water resources. It focuses mainly on the Bank's role in international water affairs and recommends that the Bank should play a more proactive role in promoting dialogue, improving data base and analysis, and assisting riparians in establishing cooperative arrangements to plan and use their water resources efficiently. Further, it suggests that the Bank should strengthen its capacity to respond to riparian requests for assistance in an objective, competent and effective manner.

Metropolitan Water Use Conflicts In Asia And The Pacific

Abstract: The maturing metropolitan water economies of Asia and the Pacific, James E. Nickum and K. William Easter water supply and sanitation in Cities in developing countries in Asia and the Pacific, Yok-shiu Lee Beijing's maturing socialist water economy, J.E. Nickum water problems in Madras metropolitan region, India, R. Saakthivadivel and K. Venugopal urban water management and conservation - the case of metropolitan Manila, Philippines, F. Fellizar water resource management in a metropolitan region downstream of a large lake - the case of Osaka, Japan, Michio Akiyama and Masahisa Nakamura water use conflicts under increasing water scarcity - a case study of the Yahagi River Basin, Central Japan, Kenji Oya and Seiji Aoyama alternative approaches to urban water management, K.W. Easter and J.E. Nickum summary and conclusions, J.E. Nickum and K.W. Easter.

A simulation of water allocation policies in times of water shortage

Abstract: The use of a simulation package to study the consequences of various water allocation policies during time of water shortage is described. The study shows that simulation can be a valuable aid to irrigation scheme managers in their decision making.

Effectiveness of Water‐Conservation Measures in Greater Athens Area

Abstract: An ARIMA (auto regressive‐integrated‐moving‐average) time‐series modeling framework is used to assess the effectiveness of water‐conservation measures taken in the Greater Athens Area of Greece after May 1990, in an effort to cope with a pending water shortage. The models used include two components; the first forecasts historical water consumption and the second accounts for the potential effects of conservation. Total and residential charged water consumption are examined and a statistically significant drop in their levels is revealed. In the absence of other important events that could have influenced water consumption, it is concluded that the observed decline with respect to the forecasted value of water consumption can be safely attributed to the conservation measures taken. Although a dramatic increase in the price of water was the most important component of the conservation effort, the present study cannot be used as the sole basis for gauging its particular contribution. Additional analyses tow...

Financing Agenda 21 : freshwater

Abstract: The paper assesses the financing challenges which have to be met by developing countries to efficiently manage water resources, to improve the quality of the aquatic environment and to deliver water related services in a responsible, efficient, and equitable way. The chapter on Freshwater in Agenda 21 deals with the following areas: a) integrated water resources development and management; b) water resources assessment; c) protection for water resources, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem; d) drinking water supply and sanitation; e) water and sustainable urban development; f) water for sustainable food production and rural development; and g) impacts of climatic change on water resources. The paper focuses heavily on the water supply and sanitation sector, sustainable urban development, and water resources management.

Economics, Ecology And Equity: Lessons from the Energy Crisis in Managing Water Shared by Israelis and Palestinians

Abstract: Whereas almost all nations in the Middle East faces a chronic problem of water shortage, the riparians of the Jordan River (mainly Israel, Jordan and Palestine) are close to crisis. To deal with this situation, the author suggests that we shift emphasis in water management from supply to demand and from quantity to quality. This approach emulates alternative energy analysis, dubbed the “soft path,” which has demonstrated that it is typically economically cheaper and ecologically less damaging to approach problems from the demand than from the supply side. Major opportunities exist to increase efficiency of use in the Jordan River basin, particularly for irrigation, which is by far the main consumer. Other opportunities lie in avoiding the degradation arising from excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, inadequate treatment of sewage, and industrial dumping. Continuing the analogy to energy, we should recast policy analysis in terms of normative scenarios so as to determine the feasibility and impacts of alternative policies and reactions. All sides see close linkage between water and security. Therefore, only through exploration of alternative futures, not simply projection of the present into the future, can we find ways to minimize the potential for conflict.

Eastward groundwater flow from the Mountain Aquifer

Abstract: The anticlinal structure of the Mountain Aquifer sheds infiltrating rain water to the west and east The geological controls on the eastward groundwater flow are examined, Eastward surface drainage has cut deep wadis allowing the detailed lithology of the aquifer to be exposed. The significance of the Senonian chert bands, and argillaceous strata in the Cenomanian, and the uppermost parts of the Albian are considered as impermeable strata in controlling the variable water table levels. Seasonal variation, as well as an historical perspective, over the last half century in particular, raise questions about actual water availability, water management and future developments. Many of the important advances in geohydrology have been stimulated by studies designed to solve problems of economic and/or political importance. The West Bank is an area in a water crisis situation. Demands on the meagre and diminishing water resources increase the urgency to understand the nature of that precious resource and how it might be managed in the most efficient and appropriate way in the future.

Water and peace in the Middle East: proceedings of the First Israeli-Palestinian International Academic Conference on Water, Zurich, Switzerland, 10-13 December 1992.

Abstract: Part 1 General introduction: vision can make a difference - transboundary issues, G.E. Stout a projection of the demand of water in the West Bank and Gaza Strip 1992-2005, G. Awartani water management policy in Israel - a comprehensive approach, M.B. Meir reducing the risks of conflict over fresh water resources in the Middle East, P.H. Gleick Palestinian water supplies and demands, N. Al-Khatib and K.K. Assaf management of Israel's water resources, J. Schwarz a case for demand-side water management, T. Naff. Part 2 The Jordan river basin: water utilization in the Yarmuk-Jordan, 1192-1992, J.W. Eaton and D.J. Eaton the relevance of Johnston Plan to the reality of 1993 and beyond, A. Soffer the Arab-Israeli conflict over water resources, I. Mustafa a budget of the surface and underground water in northern Jordan, H.S. Salem the legal-institutional issues involved in the solution of water conflicts in the Middle East - the Jordan, D.A. Caponera. Part 3 Ground water - the mountain aquifer and Gaza: and Israeli-Palestinian water-sharing regime, J.W. Moore eastward groundwater flow from the mountain aquifer, D.J. Scarpa groundwater allocation in Judea and Samaria, H. Gvirtzman the development of the water resources of the occupied Palestinian territories - some key issues, D.R.C. Grey international law and the mountain aquifer, E. Benvenisti approaches to the legal aspects of the conflict on water rights in Palestine/Israel, K. Kuttab and I. Isaac water situation in the Gaza Strip, I.R. Shawwa the Gaza Strip water problem - an emergency solution for the Palestinian population, E. Ahiram and H. Siniora. Part 4 Developing alternative water sources: contribution of water imports to Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian peace, G.E. Gruen costs of inter-regional conveyance of water and costs of sea water desalination, E. Kally replenishment of Palestinian waters by artificial recharge as a non-controversial option in water resource management in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, K.K. Assaf potential applications for desalination in the area, D. Hoffman the role of reclamation and reuse in addressing community water needs in Israel and the West Bank, D.A. Okun reuse of waste water for irrigation in the West Bank - some aspects, M.Y. Sbeih fossil water under the deserts of the Middle East - a safeguard against strife, A.S. Issar the peace canal project - a multiple conflict resolution perspective for the Middle East, B. Wachtel. Part 5 Approaches to resolving the water conflicts: economic and political adjustments to scarce water in the Middle East, T. Allan a novel approach to the allocation of international water resources, H. Zarour and J. Isaac water sharing through trade in markets for water rights - an illustrative application to the Middle East, N. Zeitouni et al water policy in the context of Palestinian self-government, A.M. Lesch. (Part contents).

Developing rates with citizen involvement

Abstract: The Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) in Corte Madera experienced a particularly severe water shortage during California's six-year drought. Citizens were frustrated because the district rigidly limited consumption and repeatly raised rates. As the drought was ending in 1992, MMWD assembled a citizen advisory committee to direct the district and a consulting firm in establishing a new rate structure. More than a cost-allocation exercise to meet financial needs, the planning process involved important policy issues that required public input. The marginal cost approach chosen meets revenue needs and addresses the problems of limited water supply and expensive source development to meet increased demand.

A Case for Demand-Side Water Management

Abstract: It is axiomatic that because water is such a complex, pervasive issue, solutions to its problem must be commensurate with its complexity. The key to dealing effectively with the layered intracacies of water is to pay attention to the interlinkages, e.g., approaches that combine supply and demand-side policies. Controlling problems of water scarcity and maldistribution in hydrologically marginal regions such as the Middle East require policies that emphasize managing demand and need rather than focussing on increasingly difficult efforts to increase supplies.

Multipurpose river basin development in China

Abstract: The papers in this volume cover the policy and methodological issues discussed at the EDI seminar on multipurpose river basin development in China. The seminar had three main objectives: 1) to broaden and improve the participants' knowledge of multi-purpose river basin development (MRD), particularly in other countries; 2) to discuss policy issues on MRD in China; and 3) to prepare a report with recommendations on the major policy issues discussed for the consideration of the Ministry of Water Resources and the State Council. Two key problem areas stand out as being particularly important: a) too many agencies and users are chasing a limited quantity and deteriorating quality of water resources; and b) too heavy a financial burden is placed on the central government with too little participation by local communities and users. The participants of the seminar spent much of their time discussing several issues, namely: 1) adopting a river basin approach for the multi-purpose and multi-objective development and management of water resources; 2) strengthening river basin commissions by giving them greater planning and management authority on the one hand, and including more representation by local governments and user groups on the other hand; 3) establishing a cost recovery system and improving management efficiency and user participation; 4) selecting one or two river basins as a pilot scheme for an autonomous operation similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority in the United States; 5) emphasizing the environmental, resettlement, and on-the-job training aspects of water resource development; and 6) determining how economic analysis of projects could both indicate priority in a simplified way and still adequately take into account the fact that most water projects are multi-purpose with many objectives.

Improved operation of large irrigation canal systems in southeast Asia

Abstract: Poor performance of the irrigation systems in Southeast Asian countries is a cause for concern considering the increasing water scarcity. Lack of adequate knowledge and systematic ignorance of main system management has been identified as one of the primary factors for the resulting poor performance of these systems. In this study a model has been developed for operating the main canal of these systems by integrating hydraulics of the flow and decision‐making technique. The model developed was applied to the main canal of the Phitsanulok Irrigation Project in Northern Thailand. The results of this application approved the concept and envisaged substantial improvement in the operation of the main canal. The model can in general be applied to similar irrigation systems in the developing countries.

Water Sharing Through Trade In Markets For Water Rights: An Illustrative Application To The Middle East

Abstract: The growing demand by countries in the eastern Mediterranean over the waters of the Jordan and Yarmuch Rivers, and the highly depleted coastal and mountain groundwater reservoirs, raise the need to explore ways and means to ameliorate existing and expected water scarcity. Economists have for some time proposed ways towards more efficient exploitation of existing water supplies, specifically by employing market incentive mechanisms in order to encourage voluntary water sharing among countries and regions. Such trading schemes may involve two or more countries. It can be shown that such schemes, given any initial assignment of property rights to water resources, can often lead to increases in the welfare of the countries concerned. The paper proposes two specific mechanisms for international markets in water rights in the eastern Mediterranean region, in which parties voluntarily engage in such trades, as they would expect to gain real benefits from these transactions. Simulation exercises with real data show that - as is true for any opening of markets to international trade - that all parties in the region might benefit to a greater or lesser degree from trade in water rights, either from actually using imported water or from the monetary gain from water exports.

Water Management Policy in Israel: A Comprehensive Approach

Abstract: The problem identified in the study is water scarcity as opposed to the proper allocation of existing water resources. In principle, it is improbable that parties to the “water conflict” may reach any agreement on proper principles (namely distribution of existing sources) in the face of an absolute supply constraint. One must work, then, with the assumption of one single society between the Mediterranean and Jordan and the assumption that this society will face a common challenge at the beginning of the next century when its total potential of fresh water is fully exploited for drinking purposes. The problems of an acute supply shortage, protection of existing fresh water resources from contamination, and the preparation of non-conventional water resources must be dealt with from a multi-disciplinary standpoint. It is necessary to set priorities in dealing with the above issues as it is deemed unfeasible to cope with the challenges of sewage reclamation and sea water desalination at the same time. -In terms of the water supply problem (current shortfall/ future supply), while the future resource of water is indeed the sea, this need only holds true once all fresh water is exploited for drinking purposes and all reclaimed sewage is treated for agricultural use. The additional cost added to sewage treatment is lower than the cost of desalination as well as the cost of using conventional water resources. Moving to the sea therefore depends on the extent to which the cost of desalinated water will or will not increase the cost of food production. A broad economic approach is advocated: While constructing sewage treatment plants it is necessary to simultaneously initiate the planning of desalination projects (given an implementation period of 15–20 years). -In terms of water quality/contamination problem, the main concern lies with Israel's sea shore aquifer. The danger to the aquifer's water quality comes from constant seepage of encroaching sea water and the constant recycling of the same resource for irrigation. It is felt that the only way to restore the aquifer's water quality is by ceasing recycled usage of its water. It is suggested that water from the aquifer should be pumped and carried away for irrigation and that the aquifer should simultaneously be replenished with sweet water brought in from outside (i.e. desalination). Desalination is therefore advocated as a (conditional) source for additional water and for the reclamation of the sea shore aquifer. The Jezreel Valley Canal Scheme authored by Shlomo Gur is felt to be the most feasible desalination scheme as it saves 60 percent of the energy required by other desalination methods. Cooperation is needed between Israel and Jordan for the implementation of this scheme.

Studies on Sustainable Development of Water-saving Agriculture

Abstract: Based on several years study at Shangqiu Experimental Station,and features of drought,water-logging and soil salinization in part of Huang-Huai-Hai Plain and water shortage situations in China,it was pointed out in this paper that the bases for sustainable development of water-saving agriculture in this region is to develop high-production, high-quanlity and high-efficiency agriculture by controlling water, increasing soil fertility,adjusting agro-structure and breeding new varieties. The main limiting factor to sustainable agricultural development is water shortage,then increasing water use efficiency is the key to solve water crisis in this region.