The fly in the ointment is the that 80% of of the water supply comes from Palestine. The Jordan River became desiccated and the Dead Sea started shrinking and is no longer safe to visit from sinkholes after Israel began diverting the water supply. So much for declaring the Dead Sea one of the seven wonders of the world. I would be happy for Israel if they did not create so many victims.
17
California take note.
11
Once more Israel shows itself as a "can do" state. (If only it could be as "can do" in negotiations with the Palestinians!)
I hope our fellow citizens in the Southwest, and esp. in my native state of California, now suffering from terrible (and prolonged) drought, will pay heed to what Israel has accomplished. De-salination may be more expensive as a source of water, but it IS an unending source of water. As one of the commenters before me said, it does require considerable energy...and so we are back to the global warming problem. Answer: go nuclear for energy to power de-salination. And bury the nuclear waste in Nevada, which would by now already be on track had not former Senate Majority leader (and NIMBY "shill") Harry Reid from Nevada not halted that process.
I hope our fellow citizens in the Southwest, and esp. in my native state of California, now suffering from terrible (and prolonged) drought, will pay heed to what Israel has accomplished. De-salination may be more expensive as a source of water, but it IS an unending source of water. As one of the commenters before me said, it does require considerable energy...and so we are back to the global warming problem. Answer: go nuclear for energy to power de-salination. And bury the nuclear waste in Nevada, which would by now already be on track had not former Senate Majority leader (and NIMBY "shill") Harry Reid from Nevada not halted that process.
10
Once again, Israel is leading the way. There are many reasons to be optimistic about the future, and this is just one of them.
36
Israel, a tiny country with a minuscule percentage of the world's population, punches way above its weight in matters scientific and technological and deserves full credit for this. Since science flourishes under conditions of free inquiry, Israel's success is a tribute to the democratic ethos of much of Israeli society. But scientific excellence is no gloss that gives a pass for other policy. If Israel's scientific excellence is considered on its merits, the highest of praise; if its considered as a cover for settlement expansion, i.e. "what do a few displaced Palestinian farmers matter, look how much the world owes them for their desalination genius", total nonsense.
4
I hope that one day Israel will work to restore the Jordan River to at least a fraction of what it once was. Now, a bare trickle gets to the Dead Sea- which itself is drying up.
10
Israel leads the world in Desalination technologies,Germany leads the world in Solar Power technologies.
This are divine gift of extraordinary talent in technologies bestowed upon this nations.
Both the nations should willingly transfer this technologies to the world bereft of water & electricity.
Truly then we can say that they are "blessed nations" or as the Israeli's say "Righteous amongst the nations"
I fervently wish this technologies are disseminated throughout the nations of Zion & others.
This are divine gift of extraordinary talent in technologies bestowed upon this nations.
Both the nations should willingly transfer this technologies to the world bereft of water & electricity.
Truly then we can say that they are "blessed nations" or as the Israeli's say "Righteous amongst the nations"
I fervently wish this technologies are disseminated throughout the nations of Zion & others.
3
So lets see here. I along with a great many California residents have been clamoring for desalination plants for years. The drought is costing BILLIONS of dollars in lost revenue but all we hear from Sacramento is crickets when it comes to desalination plants.
San Diego has one and they have solved the environmental problem. Santa Barbara has one they started then stopped and are now scrambling to finish.
Both are inadequate but are at least are a step in the right direction.
But, the NYT and LAT refuse, absolutely refuse to start pushing for these plants whining about the same things like the environmental problems and the cost.
The cost should be born by the federal government and WA state, OR, CA, NV (Lake Mead is down one hundred fifty feet) NM and AZ. How about NOT building a dozen jets that are worthless and a few thousand tanks that are going from factory to junkyards for scrap.
Australia currently has 18 of them on line with another 20 being built and planned.
Dubai has the largest in the world producing THREE billion gallons a week.
Build five of those on the West coast and get almost one trillion gallons a year.
But all anyone does is wring their hands and whine cost and ten years of EIR and lawsuits. This is a national problem, time to streamline this process and bring desperately water to these states. We build oil pipelines we can build water pipelines.
We can do this...if we really want to instead of whining, painting our lawns and not flushing.
San Diego has one and they have solved the environmental problem. Santa Barbara has one they started then stopped and are now scrambling to finish.
Both are inadequate but are at least are a step in the right direction.
But, the NYT and LAT refuse, absolutely refuse to start pushing for these plants whining about the same things like the environmental problems and the cost.
The cost should be born by the federal government and WA state, OR, CA, NV (Lake Mead is down one hundred fifty feet) NM and AZ. How about NOT building a dozen jets that are worthless and a few thousand tanks that are going from factory to junkyards for scrap.
Australia currently has 18 of them on line with another 20 being built and planned.
Dubai has the largest in the world producing THREE billion gallons a week.
Build five of those on the West coast and get almost one trillion gallons a year.
But all anyone does is wring their hands and whine cost and ten years of EIR and lawsuits. This is a national problem, time to streamline this process and bring desperately water to these states. We build oil pipelines we can build water pipelines.
We can do this...if we really want to instead of whining, painting our lawns and not flushing.
5
In some of the responses where anti-Israel prejudice blinds the writer to what goes on in the real Middle East, there were comments which insinuated that Israel was denying the Palestinians or the rest of the Middle East water resources in order to benefit Israeli agriculture or whatever. The truth is that the Arab states, for decades tried to deprive Israel of water resources. In one shocking attempt, the Syrians tried to divert the headwaters of the Jordan river so that its water would not flow into Israel (or Jordan). The diversion was not meant to benefit Syrians as the diverted water would have been dumped into the Mediterranean. A few years ago the UN proposed building a desalinization plant in Gaza for the benefit of that water starved territory. The Hamas regime refused to allow the project to go forward because an Israeli company was to be involved in the construction. So let the people of Gaza go thirsty. BDS Forever.
22
Typically selective in what it high lights and what is lleaves out re Arab versus Jewish,water rights and allocation with settlers consumption in Arab landsdemrdwater extraction from West Bank occupied aquifers and actual delivery to both communities.
Reference to past agreements trival immateriial since agreements were drawn in dropught, pre abundance, conditions.Settelements water allocation deemed part part of Arab allocation.
Reference to past agreements trival immateriial since agreements were drawn in dropught, pre abundance, conditions.Settelements water allocation deemed part part of Arab allocation.
5
Israel is leading the world in sustainable water treatment - as far as I can remember - since more than half a century. Time ago, I followed a course by a guest professor at my university (Louvain, Belgium), about the way Israel was treating house wastewater for reuse on a totally natural way (without any mechanical equipment involved). I guess all this knowledge and behaviour always has been inspired by the necssity of surviving in a very arid land, in combination with the perseverence and responsible behaviour of the Israelian people. The world with its growing water problem (in particular also Spain, where drought has already started devastating agriculture, without any measure being taken or foreseen by 'country leaders') should learn experience and take advice from Israel. Regardless of Israel's unacceptable attitude towards Palestine.
3
A friend has pointed out to me that desalinated water in California would be dangerous because of the massive radioactivity in Pacific Ocean waters caused by the Fukushima disaster.
2
Israel didn’t ”solve" drought; it solved water and energy security. An advanced culture of conservation and recycling was already in place as a matter of national security long before drought (a relative term in a hyper-arid region). With the 2009 discovery of the Leviathan gas reserves in the Mediterranean, energy-intensive desal became a way out of chronic water and energy vulnerability. Discovery of gas reserves and the acceleration of desal happened to occur in a drought cycle, but the national prioritization of water and energy independence, not incremental developments in technology or efficiency of daily conservation practices, made Israel water-robust.
The article would appear to be an advertisement for Isreali desal technology to Californians. But with less geopolitical vulnerability and greater diversity of energy options, Californians can still afford to do what Israelis felt they couldn’t: place energy- and carbon-intensive desal and its saline effluent in environmental context and make prudent decisions about a diverse water-energy portfolio. Increased water recycling, conservation, and stormwater harvest—all less carbon-intensive than either desal or current long-distance water imports from diminishing snowpack—can meet as much as 85% of Los Angeles water demand. We can “solve” for drought in California without putting all our eggs in a desal basket.
No water solution in a changing climate is a true solution if it is not also an energy solution.
The article would appear to be an advertisement for Isreali desal technology to Californians. But with less geopolitical vulnerability and greater diversity of energy options, Californians can still afford to do what Israelis felt they couldn’t: place energy- and carbon-intensive desal and its saline effluent in environmental context and make prudent decisions about a diverse water-energy portfolio. Increased water recycling, conservation, and stormwater harvest—all less carbon-intensive than either desal or current long-distance water imports from diminishing snowpack—can meet as much as 85% of Los Angeles water demand. We can “solve” for drought in California without putting all our eggs in a desal basket.
No water solution in a changing climate is a true solution if it is not also an energy solution.
21
In what history book did the author find that the 1967 war had water rights with Jordan as a significant cause? One recalls that the causes of the war were largely from Egyptian aggression, and Jordan did not enter the war right away, and then lost a great deal.
A NYTimes fact checker was/is needed.
A NYTimes fact checker was/is needed.
14
I wonder how much of this water will pass the lips of thirsty Palestinians
8
California should really take notes. The rest of the world too.
8
Exactly what California should be doing.
I was a young kid when the Arabs started doing this. And I did my 8th grade science project on this, when it was "new"" to the world and being used by the Arabs.
I was a young kid when the Arabs started doing this. And I did my 8th grade science project on this, when it was "new"" to the world and being used by the Arabs.
2
And when the soil becomes filled with salts from watering then what? You can water your land into a desert.
Above all let's not have ecology since a system that includes soil, animals, plants and humans - oh wait, a rock garden.
Above all let's not have ecology since a system that includes soil, animals, plants and humans - oh wait, a rock garden.
1
the article does not indicate how the desalination is powered. Obviously, solar would be the answer here, but that would've been a bit too logical
2
We should be working with Israel to build these plants up and down the West Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. We could build pipelines that could bring water as far as the great plains if needed. And here in the US we should be investing in waste water education and infrastructure all over. The incentive and rallying cry has to come from Washington along with the coordination and funding. Just like the highway system and the race to the moon.
4
Rain water collection, storm water harvesting and recycling along with desalination could alleviate the problem to a large extent.
3
Over the millennia, conflict between groups of humans over access to potable water has shaped who we are. A dry land can support small numbers of small groups of nomads, but as the population increases, conflict becomes more likely.
The nomadic peoples of the desert have always been at odds with the peoples of the towns. Arab-speakers and Hebrew-speakers have a common nomadic heritage that pre-dates Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The oldest towns of the Near East such as Jericho are at most six millennia old. The nomadic way of life stretches back far further. Unlike those who are trapped in their towns, the nomads are free peoples. Civilisation provides the luxuries of life. To pay for this, we all become slaves.
The nomadic peoples of the desert have always been at odds with the peoples of the towns. Arab-speakers and Hebrew-speakers have a common nomadic heritage that pre-dates Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The oldest towns of the Near East such as Jericho are at most six millennia old. The nomadic way of life stretches back far further. Unlike those who are trapped in their towns, the nomads are free peoples. Civilisation provides the luxuries of life. To pay for this, we all become slaves.
2
I wonder why more use is not made of the electrical potential of the vast amount of briny effluent pumped from these desalinization plants back into the
sea. Early European experimenters like Volta and Ampere used brine-
powered batteries.
arcaneone
sea. Early European experimenters like Volta and Ampere used brine-
powered batteries.
arcaneone
2
And not one mention of what source of energy is used for the desalinization. Modern "journalism," sigh.
Electricity, of course. When I was in Israel in 1982? electricity was made from imported oil. Not only expensive, but they were very conscientious of the ill effect on their balance of trade. I remember timer switches in the hallways of hotels and apartments; step off the elevator, a slight twist of the knob, lights on for five minutes or so.
So when and how did this change enough to run desalination plants?
Electricity, of course. When I was in Israel in 1982? electricity was made from imported oil. Not only expensive, but they were very conscientious of the ill effect on their balance of trade. I remember timer switches in the hallways of hotels and apartments; step off the elevator, a slight twist of the knob, lights on for five minutes or so.
So when and how did this change enough to run desalination plants?
3
The cost of rebuilding Gaza after the last war has been estimated at between four and eight billion dollars.
The Carlsbad desalinization plant in California will meet the potable water needs of about 280,000 people at a cost of one billion dollars. Outside of the U.S. construction costs would be much cheaper. Perhaps half.
Gaza is estimated to have a population of 1.8 million. Six plants would have met their needs. To U.S. standards of use.
Hamas chose war over water.
A warm pitcher of bitterness does little to slack a thirst.
The Carlsbad desalinization plant in California will meet the potable water needs of about 280,000 people at a cost of one billion dollars. Outside of the U.S. construction costs would be much cheaper. Perhaps half.
Gaza is estimated to have a population of 1.8 million. Six plants would have met their needs. To U.S. standards of use.
Hamas chose war over water.
A warm pitcher of bitterness does little to slack a thirst.
8
Desal may appear to be an answer to a problem assumed to be, "We need more potable water for our growing population, agriculture and industry."
However, dedicating billions of dollars to that end of the equation fails to address other integrally related opportunities: like asking engineers, "How can we reduce our needs, through efficiency, conservation and avoidance, to get the same services currently provided by using water as we are accustomed to?"
And, "How can we achieve a sustainable supply of water while reducing energy demands, greenhouse gas emissions, discharge of toxic remnants in discharged wastewater, while protecting and restoring damaged environment at costs less than the cost of finding and developing 'new' water?"
What will water for the next 50 years, 100 years or more look like?
However, dedicating billions of dollars to that end of the equation fails to address other integrally related opportunities: like asking engineers, "How can we reduce our needs, through efficiency, conservation and avoidance, to get the same services currently provided by using water as we are accustomed to?"
And, "How can we achieve a sustainable supply of water while reducing energy demands, greenhouse gas emissions, discharge of toxic remnants in discharged wastewater, while protecting and restoring damaged environment at costs less than the cost of finding and developing 'new' water?"
What will water for the next 50 years, 100 years or more look like?
2
I was attracted to reading this article, thinking I would find out how Israel was striking the balance between the cost of energy and the need for water. I finished the story, disappointed. There was only this single sentence:
"Desalination, long shunned by many as a costly energy-guzzler with a heavy carbon footprint, is becoming cheaper, cleaner and more energy efficient as technologies advance."
Deus ex machina.
I know the focus of the piece was not technology, but without knowing, at least briefly, how the reverse osmosis process was improved and how the Israeli's generate the required electricity, it's difficult to appreciate the economics of this water supply transformation .
"Desalination, long shunned by many as a costly energy-guzzler with a heavy carbon footprint, is becoming cheaper, cleaner and more energy efficient as technologies advance."
Deus ex machina.
I know the focus of the piece was not technology, but without knowing, at least briefly, how the reverse osmosis process was improved and how the Israeli's generate the required electricity, it's difficult to appreciate the economics of this water supply transformation .
16
Singapore recycles 30% of its water with a resulting purity that exceeds that of spring water
18
Over time we are slowly leaning and accepting to live within our means. We use less gasoline, our homes now less heat and air condition and now we are learning to use less water. Now we must use our water better. This article shows an example how to use water better. State and local govrrnments need to consider examples like Israel.
12
Tsur Shezaf is not a farmer but rather a hobbyist with a boutique farm that produces neglectible amount of wine.
The rest of Israel's 8 million citizens and farmers daily enjoy the blessing of abundant water supply.
That's an outstanding example of how you get hi-tech to benefit commodity availability and solve an economical and geopolitical problem all in once.
The rest of Israel's 8 million citizens and farmers daily enjoy the blessing of abundant water supply.
That's an outstanding example of how you get hi-tech to benefit commodity availability and solve an economical and geopolitical problem all in once.
17
This article does much to refute those neo-Malthusians with over hyped claims that California is unsustainable because it has grown too big. Its not that growth is limitless or that we don't need to be smart and adapt - we do; but this article clearly shows that California - which has already grown its population and GDP substantially while getting more energy and fuel efficient - can do even more to remain a great place to live even as the climate warms. So yes, Californians should reform antiquated water rights laws, stop exporting alfalfa to China, and planting grassy lawns around homes that are more suited for the English countryside. But with smarter water usage, more and better recycling and yes, desalinization, California will be just fine
16
Israel did not allow itself to get bogged down by environmentalists' concerns. For example, it recognized that its need for desalinated water overrode the desire to protect ocean life. In the US, environmentalists are still driving things.
20
What environmentalists concerns ???? when have we protected 'life'
13
Only in the world of Fox News are environmentalists driving anything in the US.
35
Israel did not allow itself to get bogged down by humanist' concerns. For example, it recognized that its need for water overrode the desire to protect Palestinian life.
Cont..
This and other adjoining counties are not drought free by any means, & the Southern water system run by the good old boys worst then most states. The farmers in the south followed by the State hierarchy, golf courses, private pools , lakes, reservoirs etc are the worst offenders. None of the water meters which have less ten 50% accuracy are calibrated. The outsourced third party only read and record last three of the six digits on the meters , which against the law. The uncalibrated meter reading that are in units then reported as gallon. With each metered property made to pay minimum of two units or 2000 gallons Regardless even if no water is used at all. Plus twice the amount of charges sewage , even when no water is used at all. Lately, 3 to 4 times a year, the county pumps air into the system to clean and clear water lines and pipes. Which automatically accelerate the water meter and the reading jumps jumps by 6 to 8 times. Yet the authority insists that some 6000 to 8000 gallons went through the meter or their is some imaginary leak. When in my case as a single person I hardly ever use more the 1500 gallons a months. In this part of the country utility companies (electric, gas, water and telephone / TV and IT all pad bills with impunity. In my sub division the water utility has been bought out the street maintenance lights from the private EMC electric company, that for over 8 plus years was double billing the HOA & each home owner.
This and other adjoining counties are not drought free by any means, & the Southern water system run by the good old boys worst then most states. The farmers in the south followed by the State hierarchy, golf courses, private pools , lakes, reservoirs etc are the worst offenders. None of the water meters which have less ten 50% accuracy are calibrated. The outsourced third party only read and record last three of the six digits on the meters , which against the law. The uncalibrated meter reading that are in units then reported as gallon. With each metered property made to pay minimum of two units or 2000 gallons Regardless even if no water is used at all. Plus twice the amount of charges sewage , even when no water is used at all. Lately, 3 to 4 times a year, the county pumps air into the system to clean and clear water lines and pipes. Which automatically accelerate the water meter and the reading jumps jumps by 6 to 8 times. Yet the authority insists that some 6000 to 8000 gallons went through the meter or their is some imaginary leak. When in my case as a single person I hardly ever use more the 1500 gallons a months. In this part of the country utility companies (electric, gas, water and telephone / TV and IT all pad bills with impunity. In my sub division the water utility has been bought out the street maintenance lights from the private EMC electric company, that for over 8 plus years was double billing the HOA & each home owner.
4
Desalination was my sixth grade science project, and I thought I was the first to conceive of it until I did the background research. (I am 54 now.) I can't imagine why the other Middle East nations don't get going on this; it is 50 year old plus technology. And, yes, California has desalination plants; it is their water pricing that makes or breaks the use of desalination or not, as I understand it.
7
We have very, very few desal plants in California. The one coming online soon in Carlsbad (near San Diego) will be the largest in the Western Hemisphere, yet will only supply enough water for 18,000 homes annually. Clearly, we need to do more - much more - to solve this latest drought.
5
This is a very promising development. The article states that the technology of reverse osmosis is becoming more efficient all the time. It would have been very revealing to see some numbers showing the improvements in KWH per water volume and what anticipated improvements are considered reachable. Since water can be stored, using solar power to drive the pumps might prove to be an ideal power source. There certainly is a lot of sun in the desert.
These systems could be exported throughout this very thirsty region. Perhaps I'm just dreaming, but providing fresh water could be a way to move toward a more peaceful coexistence with the surrounding Arab nations. Its a long shot, I know, but it could happen. When people turn their efforts toward growing plants instead of making bombs, good things can occur.
These systems could be exported throughout this very thirsty region. Perhaps I'm just dreaming, but providing fresh water could be a way to move toward a more peaceful coexistence with the surrounding Arab nations. Its a long shot, I know, but it could happen. When people turn their efforts toward growing plants instead of making bombs, good things can occur.
18
And do they get rid of the excess boron which can be toxic to humans and stunt plant growth?
6
The boron from where? Certainly not from RO.
Citrus, a major Israeli export crop is very sensitive to boron, a canary in the boron mine, as it were. If there was an issue, they would know immediately.
Boron, BTW, is one of the most common elements in airborne dust.
Citrus, a major Israeli export crop is very sensitive to boron, a canary in the boron mine, as it were. If there was an issue, they would know immediately.
Boron, BTW, is one of the most common elements in airborne dust.
5
its reverse osmosis so be definition of the process that answer is yes....no boron. They have to actually add mnerals back into the water to give it the natural taste we prefer.
So how much energy does it take to desalinate this water and what is the source of the energy? Coal, gas, oil, nuclear, solar, wind? What about conservation, grey water and recycling water? Are they refilling the aquifers? Maybe I missed something, but it seems like there are many unanswered questions.
17
As the article states, "grey water" and "recycled water" are treated and used for agriculture. Solar energy and even the old style wind driven pumps seen on most American farms, can be used for distribution of stored water. In conjunction with the present system of "drip irrigation," desalinization will effectively help manage the nation's limited water resources. Necessity is the mother of invention.
3
Natural gas and coal are used to power the Israeli power grid and also the plants.
As the article states over 80% of grey water are recycled for aggregation.
Yes, there is power injection into the aquifers.
As the article states over 80% of grey water are recycled for aggregation.
Yes, there is power injection into the aquifers.
5
Another realistic question, I think, is whether or not Israel is making itself so dependent on desal that a handful of accurate missiles could completely destroy Israels water supply. Remember when the first thing enemies did was poison your well?
The high energy usage it takes to desalinate affects our environment.Along with the dumping of salt negates any benefits.
The real problem is a big population(and growing) living in arid lands.
The real problem is a big population(and growing) living in arid lands.
9
this is only true if they use carbon based energy tech to supply the energy for the pressure associated with reverse osmosis. the salts can acually be sold to offset the cost or returned to the ocean.......in this case reverse osmosisi i dont think you create actual salts just solutions with more and less salt.
I read recently that one Israel desalinization plant produces 150,000 gallons per day of fresh drinking water. The very same day I read in the LA Times that Los Angeles sends 250,000 gallons per day of partially treated sewage water into the ocean, rather than treating it fully and putting it back into local aquifers, where it could be drawn on as drinking water once again. The cost of full treatment would be far less than building a desalinization plant in Los Angeles. This is apart from the hundreds of billions of gallons of rainwater that Los Angeles allows to return to the ocean, rather than capturing as potential drinking water.
Kudos to the Israelis for their success in desalinization! I'm just saying--California has other, less expensive options available.
Kudos to the Israelis for their success in desalinization! I'm just saying--California has other, less expensive options available.
28
kudos to ronnie for cutting taxes
1
"Full treatment" is done by RO, desalinization with a non-ocean source.
I visited such a plan in Orange County way back in the 1980's.
I visited such a plan in Orange County way back in the 1980's.
You don't put treated sewage water back into aquifers. You could poison the aquifer. You use that treated water industrially or in agriculture.
These are great short-term fixes, but what the world needs are long-term sustainable solutions? We've seen the worst of drought in Syria. Specifically, if you believe in science, when we come down the other side of Hubbard's Peak Oil Curve, we lose the fossil fuels necessary to operate these massive industrial complexes. Added to which, this monstrous complex produces only enough water for less than 1.5M people. How much CO2 was expended producing that 40 billion gallons over the course of a year? What happens when the oil runs out? Shouldn't we be thinking more strategically, like capturing every drop of rainwater and storing it in underground cisterns or reservoirs, like they do here in Seattle? Our water rates in Seattle, WA are the highest in the nation, but we have the cleanest water, and we have built underground reservoirs to protect and secure our drinking supply (Seattle is one of six cities in the U.S. to have a highly protected water supply). Our neighbor to the far south, Texas, could take a page out of our playbook. Capture the water when it rains! It's the most effective drought buster we have in our arsenal.
11
Agreed, we should have been capturing and storage every drop of rainwater years ago, but Brown (whom I otherwise support) saw fit to put billions into our high speed train to nowhere instead. Having lived through many years-long droughts from the 60s onward, we knew this day was coming yet Brown failed to call for mandatory rationing until this year. And given that he is calling this the worst drought on record, the mandatory cuts should have been applied to BigAg, too. Too little, too late.
7
I lived in Israel for a year on a kibbutz just north of Beersheba. One of the trips that we were taken on was to a kibbutz producing drip irrigation equipment.
After touring there factory, I asked one of the managers who they sold this equipment to. He said "we sell this equipment all over the world." I knew then that the Israelis were onto something, and now look what they have done. They certainly can teach the United States, and especially California a thing or two.
Our kibbiutz was just a few miles from the Negev,and we grew just about every fruit you could think of. Flowers too. Mazel tov!
After touring there factory, I asked one of the managers who they sold this equipment to. He said "we sell this equipment all over the world." I knew then that the Israelis were onto something, and now look what they have done. They certainly can teach the United States, and especially California a thing or two.
Our kibbiutz was just a few miles from the Negev,and we grew just about every fruit you could think of. Flowers too. Mazel tov!
53
The innocent Palestinian victims, if only they would stop hating Israel, if only they would stop projecting their own self-loathing, their own self-anger onto the Israelis, if only they would cease their determination to drive the Israelis – those monsters – into the sea, imagine how much they could benefit by partnering with the Israelis on a whole host of environmental and other issues.
But these innocent victims would rather play the "victim card," would rather continue bleating to the world about how much they suffering, rather than stand up and take responsibility for their own lives, Were they to do that, were they to opt for building up rather than tearing down, for creating rather than hating, there would be a great outpouring of support from Israelis, who want nothing more than to live in peace with their neighbors.
The BDS have it backwards, so blindly angry are they at themselves, at their parents, at whatever, that they project it all onto Israel and the Jews. Here's a wonderful example of Israeli success that could be an example to world, and a life-safer for Israel's Arab neighbors, and we still get the snarky comments, the hate-filled denunciations.
I know this is the "rage page." Everyone uses the Comments to vent their outrage about something, especially about Israel and the Jews (who are collectively guilty for everything the Israeli government does, don't you know?). So, I expect some snarky replies to this comment. Don't waste your breathe.
But these innocent victims would rather play the "victim card," would rather continue bleating to the world about how much they suffering, rather than stand up and take responsibility for their own lives, Were they to do that, were they to opt for building up rather than tearing down, for creating rather than hating, there would be a great outpouring of support from Israelis, who want nothing more than to live in peace with their neighbors.
The BDS have it backwards, so blindly angry are they at themselves, at their parents, at whatever, that they project it all onto Israel and the Jews. Here's a wonderful example of Israeli success that could be an example to world, and a life-safer for Israel's Arab neighbors, and we still get the snarky comments, the hate-filled denunciations.
I know this is the "rage page." Everyone uses the Comments to vent their outrage about something, especially about Israel and the Jews (who are collectively guilty for everything the Israeli government does, don't you know?). So, I expect some snarky replies to this comment. Don't waste your breathe.
136
it's difficult to work out the actual water economy in israel, since domestic water includes desalinated water and much of that goes into recycled domestic wastewater sent to agriculture. however it's clear that desalination will supply less than half the domestic water for the future.
in fact saudia arabia, UAE, united states and dozens of other nations desalinate more total water than israel. but there are different technologies for brackish groundwater, seawater, etc. seawater desalination is currently about 8 times more expensive than groundwater capture and transport, at current energy prices.
somehow "drought" is always dragged in to muddy the picture, here as in california. the subtext here is population, not drought. israeli population has grown by 400% since 1960 and has the highest fertility rate of any OECD country. in the same period california population has grown by 380%.
humanity is tying itself to a highly complex, highly technical, energy intensive infrastructure in order to eat, drink, work and consume. we are becoming imprisoned by our infrastructure, in order to support continuous population growth.
in fact saudia arabia, UAE, united states and dozens of other nations desalinate more total water than israel. but there are different technologies for brackish groundwater, seawater, etc. seawater desalination is currently about 8 times more expensive than groundwater capture and transport, at current energy prices.
somehow "drought" is always dragged in to muddy the picture, here as in california. the subtext here is population, not drought. israeli population has grown by 400% since 1960 and has the highest fertility rate of any OECD country. in the same period california population has grown by 380%.
humanity is tying itself to a highly complex, highly technical, energy intensive infrastructure in order to eat, drink, work and consume. we are becoming imprisoned by our infrastructure, in order to support continuous population growth.
25
Regarding recycling wastewater: what is the efficiency of removal of toxic chemicals and particles, and where is the toxic effluent from the process disposed of?
13
Surely it is easier to dispose of a few tons of toxic chemicals and particles than millions of gallons of water that has the bad stuff dissoved in it.
4
Worldwide, and in the US, only about 10% of water is used for urban consumption. That is the part normally targeted for recycling. While important it cannot fill a gap for the other 90%. Nor can any reduction of that 10% cover a significant shortage in the 90%.
The other 90% is divided between industry and agriculture, 70% to food and 20% to industry.
The 70% used for food is put into the ground, and so gone back into the natural cycle. It can't be recycled. That use is too vast for desalination. This is where more careful usage has the biggest potential impact.
Agriculture is where the distorted pricing and supply of California water has its biggest impact in promoting waste. Farming has "water rights" for vast amounts of water at artificially cheap rates. Those rights go with the land, and are so valuable they define the value of the land. That makes it politically untouchable, even though it is a huge problem.
The water used in industry requires an industry by industry evaluation. It is used in very different ways for very different things. Much of it is polluted beyond recycling, or is used for cooling and so lost to the air and can't be recycled. More efficient industry would mean investing in new equipment and new methods. That would be expensive, and difficult to require as water policy. It needs to be done, but our usual methods won't reach it. A slight increase in water cost won't lead to remaking the equipment and process.
http://www.worldometers.info/water/
The other 90% is divided between industry and agriculture, 70% to food and 20% to industry.
The 70% used for food is put into the ground, and so gone back into the natural cycle. It can't be recycled. That use is too vast for desalination. This is where more careful usage has the biggest potential impact.
Agriculture is where the distorted pricing and supply of California water has its biggest impact in promoting waste. Farming has "water rights" for vast amounts of water at artificially cheap rates. Those rights go with the land, and are so valuable they define the value of the land. That makes it politically untouchable, even though it is a huge problem.
The water used in industry requires an industry by industry evaluation. It is used in very different ways for very different things. Much of it is polluted beyond recycling, or is used for cooling and so lost to the air and can't be recycled. More efficient industry would mean investing in new equipment and new methods. That would be expensive, and difficult to require as water policy. It needs to be done, but our usual methods won't reach it. A slight increase in water cost won't lead to remaking the equipment and process.
http://www.worldometers.info/water/
19
Agricultural water put into the ground? No, most of it evaporates directly and through the plants-- evapotranspiration.
5
Agricultural water does not "go back into the ground." The majority of it is lost to evaporation during application (although much less than the old days) and plant transpiration. You can't minimize or get rid of the latter. No transpiration, no living plant.
5
True. In the same sentence I wrote that it goes "back into the natural cycle." That is more accurate.
But "back into the ground" is also the route to plant using the water. Ground-roots-leaves-rainfall. Ground is more than sinking down to the water table.
But "back into the ground" is also the route to plant using the water. Ground-roots-leaves-rainfall. Ground is more than sinking down to the water table.
1
Israelis, faced with an existential challenge, but their thinking caps on and relied on their ingenuity to solve the problem. They are a people to be admired, not reviled.
Signed,
non-Jew
Signed,
non-Jew
194
Ingenuity has never been questioned, a remarkable group indeed however do not compare their situation to the state of California.
Start with geography and land mass.
Israel is a pimple on the Mediterranean Sea California can really mess up the west coast of North America should they go heavy with desalination.
Start with geography and land mass.
Israel is a pimple on the Mediterranean Sea California can really mess up the west coast of North America should they go heavy with desalination.
5
A lot of countries would do the same thing if the US Federal government is paying for it.
2
Impressive! Yet:
Where does the energy for desalination come from? How about Israelis also taking Palestinian water from Jordan river?
Where does the energy for desalination come from? How about Israelis also taking Palestinian water from Jordan river?
36
Israel struck a huge natural gas deposit under the Mediterranean a few years ago - enough to power the entire country for decades and possibly even export. I saw lots of solar water heaters in Israel when I was there several years ago, but didn't notice a lot of solar electric panels. Don't know if that's changed.
Also when I was there the Jordan River basically ceased to exist not much south of the Sea of Galilee. Not sure if that's changed either.
Also when I was there the Jordan River basically ceased to exist not much south of the Sea of Galilee. Not sure if that's changed either.
6
As more water is desalinated from the Mediterranean, less will need to be taken from the Jordan valley. A fifth desalination plant is scheduled to become operational during the summer, which will further reduce the amount of water taken from the Jordan River basin.
1
The major source of the Jordan river is actually the Yarmouk river. Most of its water are consumed by Syria and Jordan before they reach the Jordan river.
The West Bank's main water source is the Mountain aquifer.
The West Bank's main water source is the Mountain aquifer.
3
"and I shall submit you as a light unto the nations, to be My salvation until the end of the earth" (Isaiah 49:6)
Israel is and always will be a light onto nations. Israeli ingenuity and ability to innovate never cease to amaze me.
Israel is and always will be a light onto nations. Israeli ingenuity and ability to innovate never cease to amaze me.
102
Saudi Arabia is doing that (desalinization) already for decades in the past at the same time producing electricity. It is only economically feasible for city water supplies, not for irrigation.
15
1) The Saudi desalination effort has been going on for many years, so it is only natural that much of it is based on obsolete technology (distilling seawater).
2) This is fantastically expensive in energy terms, but SA does not lack fossil fuels and the alternative was to stay a backward desert nation. Given their costs of opportunity they probably made the right choice.
3) Lack of cheap water is not the only factor preventing SA from having a large agricultural sector. So they use it for what is best for them - cities. The same equations don't apply in Israel.
2) This is fantastically expensive in energy terms, but SA does not lack fossil fuels and the alternative was to stay a backward desert nation. Given their costs of opportunity they probably made the right choice.
3) Lack of cheap water is not the only factor preventing SA from having a large agricultural sector. So they use it for what is best for them - cities. The same equations don't apply in Israel.
3
Amazing. Israel faces yet another challenge to its existence, figures out something that can benefit the world, and people still condemn it for living another day. There's just no pleasing people who hate Israel.
176
Is wonder how many $$ of our aid went to help desalinate their water. It would be nice if Congress spent some $$ to aid our citizens and rebuild our infrastructure.
34
Like the trillions invested in Afghanistan and Iraq. Oil vs water. Eventually we will realize that water in the most valuable natural resource.
10
Congress couldn't organize a two car parade.
4
@JustThinking: I hardly think $3billion annually given to Israel (less than we give to Egypt and Pakistan in several recent years) is the cause of its prosperity. And yes, it would be nice if Obama spent some $$ to aid our citizens, not 10 million + illegal immigrants. He could start by releasing federal aid to California to build infrastructure to capture precious water that is used to feed the entire nation. Clearly, that's not part of his legacy.
3
Timely, useful information! A time to make the Water Revolution begin in the US.
18
Is anybody in California paying attention? Hello? Hello? Anybody at all?
41
Small parts of California have been recycling gray water for decades. Dual supply lines, potable and non for landscaping, usually.
Actually, this is true all over the US. A bit here, a bit there. But at the quoted 1%, obviously way under utilized.
Actually, this is true all over the US. A bit here, a bit there. But at the quoted 1%, obviously way under utilized.
This story is missing key pieces. No mention of the role the settlements - often placed on or near aquifers - play is shoring up Israel's water supply? No mention of charges of pillage of Palestinians' natural resources? No mention of Israel's attack on vital infrastructure in Gaza last summer, leaving 1.9 million people there without clean drinking water or a functioning sewage infrastructure?
Palestinian human rights organizations -as well as the UN and many other news organizations - regularly tell a very different story about whether or not Palestnians in the Occupied Territory have enough water: they don't. See
http://www.alhaq.org/publications/publications-index/item/water-for-one-...
http://www.alhaq.org/publications/publications-index/item/pillage-of-the...
Palestinian human rights organizations -as well as the UN and many other news organizations - regularly tell a very different story about whether or not Palestnians in the Occupied Territory have enough water: they don't. See
http://www.alhaq.org/publications/publications-index/item/water-for-one-...
http://www.alhaq.org/publications/publications-index/item/pillage-of-the...
65
Actually, your comment is missing key pieces. Israel's Desalination process is the key source of fresh water in the WORLD today.
79
Yes the story, like all news stories, is missing key pieces, but the ones you have selected seem more polemic than intended to clarify the water picture.
I agree that scientific prowess and moderately wise governance are not the only factors involved. One area the article left out, and which seems important in opening a potential that the Israelis had the technology to take quick advantage of, is the recent increase in availability of natural gas from offshore fields to supply energy for increased desalinization. Without that, the situation would have been grimmer. It is not extremely cheap gas, but it is relatively clean in terms of carbon dioxide output, and it makes long term desalinization feasible.
One can only hope that the Eastern Mediterranean gas deposits prove large enough to afford other parts of the region the same opportunities and that they will be willing to trade with Israel for its methods and knowhow, providing a larger market that will allow the technology to be further improved. However at 58 cents a cubic meter, desalinized water alone, as opposed to recycled water, still remains at least five times too costly for general regional agricultural use, and it is only by pooling the market into one freely trading one that the needed large price reductions necessary in both areas are likely to be obtained.
Regional water cooperation with Israel, rather than further fanning hostility against it, is what is needed.
I agree that scientific prowess and moderately wise governance are not the only factors involved. One area the article left out, and which seems important in opening a potential that the Israelis had the technology to take quick advantage of, is the recent increase in availability of natural gas from offshore fields to supply energy for increased desalinization. Without that, the situation would have been grimmer. It is not extremely cheap gas, but it is relatively clean in terms of carbon dioxide output, and it makes long term desalinization feasible.
One can only hope that the Eastern Mediterranean gas deposits prove large enough to afford other parts of the region the same opportunities and that they will be willing to trade with Israel for its methods and knowhow, providing a larger market that will allow the technology to be further improved. However at 58 cents a cubic meter, desalinized water alone, as opposed to recycled water, still remains at least five times too costly for general regional agricultural use, and it is only by pooling the market into one freely trading one that the needed large price reductions necessary in both areas are likely to be obtained.
Regional water cooperation with Israel, rather than further fanning hostility against it, is what is needed.
2
Katie,
There are quite a few pieces missing from your comment, such as that Israeli desalinization has steadily reduced the amount of water taken from aquifers in the Palestinian territories, that Hamas, which rules Gaza and is dedicated to the destruction of Israel (Read the Hamas Covenant, particularly Articles 7 and 13, at: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp ), brought down the devastation of Gaza on themselves by initiating their third "war of aggression" against Israel, which like the previous two, they lost and that the destruction of Gaza's water refining and sewage treatment facilities was the consequence of Hamas' three "wars of aggression" against Israel. As Hamas has recently reiterated the objectives stated in their Covenant, there will be further wars and as a consequence, the population of Gaza will suffer accordingly. If, and when Palestinians are ready to accept a "two-state" solution to the conflict, Israeli technology can be shared and all will have sufficient water for their needs!
There are quite a few pieces missing from your comment, such as that Israeli desalinization has steadily reduced the amount of water taken from aquifers in the Palestinian territories, that Hamas, which rules Gaza and is dedicated to the destruction of Israel (Read the Hamas Covenant, particularly Articles 7 and 13, at: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp ), brought down the devastation of Gaza on themselves by initiating their third "war of aggression" against Israel, which like the previous two, they lost and that the destruction of Gaza's water refining and sewage treatment facilities was the consequence of Hamas' three "wars of aggression" against Israel. As Hamas has recently reiterated the objectives stated in their Covenant, there will be further wars and as a consequence, the population of Gaza will suffer accordingly. If, and when Palestinians are ready to accept a "two-state" solution to the conflict, Israeli technology can be shared and all will have sufficient water for their needs!
6
What a great story, by contrast to the stories and comments from these rich , self centered fools in both L.A. and Northern California who arrogantly say that , "Let the fish die", or "It's the American way to have a green front lawn". These self centered fools need to humble themselves and learn a lesson from Israelis who know what needs to be done for the survival of their country.
32
If you read the article carefully you will see an equal disregard for the natural state of things. Lawns, flowers and car washing in the desert are not confined to California and Arizona.
"A hefty tax was placed on excessive household water consumption, penalizing families with lawns, swimming pools or leaky pipes. So many of Mr. Zvieli’s clients went over to synthetic grass and swapped their seasonal blooms for hardy, indigenous plants more suited to a semiarid climate. "
"A hefty tax was placed on excessive household water consumption, penalizing families with lawns, swimming pools or leaky pipes. So many of Mr. Zvieli’s clients went over to synthetic grass and swapped their seasonal blooms for hardy, indigenous plants more suited to a semiarid climate. "
18
I bet your arms must be pretty tired from painting with that incredibly broad brush, Lou! I have yet to meet one of these presumably mustachioed eco villains - everybody I know is taking 3 minute showers, letting the yellow mellow, letting their cars go natural, and letting their lawns die off/switching to drought resistant plants. Most people I know are proudly, loudly conserving every drop of water, and chastising people we see wasting it. Consider this a report from the front lines.
5
I can honestly say that in our part of Northern California NO ONE says "let fish die" or "Lawns are the American way"....Republican neighbors in my town are letting their lawns die and/or replacing them with drought tolerant plants and rocks, just like my Democratic husband and I are doing.Today was day #2 of our weekly "watering allotment" of 2 days..we are on the even numbered side of the street so get Tuesday and Friday....it is going to be ninety plus degrees this weekend, can my old growth roses make it without a drop of water for three hot dry days until Tuesday? We are taking not more than two showers a week, and those are quick, water saving "Navy" showers. Nearly everyone in town is driving a dirty car or vehicle it seems.Our driveways and patios are dusty and gritty, we track dust and grime into our homes! I do NOT think we are even near to being arrogant or self-centered much less "fools" !
1
And someday we'll no doubt see the environmental surprises related to this nifty move too. Keep treating symptoms, people.
22
Yeah, and we should never have used light bulbs. Carbon footprints.
1
As with oil our vast original wealth of water has had a great deal to do with American world dominance. We should start gathering lessons, from Europe for wind, from China for solar and from Israel for desalination. The abundance for the next century will be arable land, sunshine, wind and ocean coastline. With ingenuity America can remain both wealthy and free. Without it we will be poor, powerless and thirsty.
50
Oh by the way, the desalination plant is great in a certain way, getting enough water for humans to keep surviving in a desert they shouldn't be living in. But I do hope Israel and the rest of the coast isn't counting on getting fish to eat, because the higher salt levels and constant intake and destruction of plankton will eventually render the coastal waters rather lifeless.
25
the rain that falls, falls out in the Mediterranean Sea instead on Israel. The water that is withdrawn is replaced by copious amounts of rain. What you claim is not true.
16
Dear Lou Andrews,
I apologize, but what I claim is true, at least according to many environmentalists. Here's a brief article from Scientific American on it, some years ago:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-impacts-of-relying-on-desa...
And a relevant quote: "Beyond the links to climate problems, marine biologists warn that widespread desalinization could take a heavy toll on ocean biodiversity; as such facilities' intake pipes essentially vacuum up and inadvertently kill millions of plankton, fish eggs, fish larvae and other microbial organisms that constitute the base layer of the marine food chain. And, according to Jeffrey Graham of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography's Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, the salty sludge leftover after desalinization for every gallon of freshwater produced, another gallon of doubly concentrated salt water must be disposed of can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems if dumped willy-nilly offshore. For some desalinization operations, says Graham, it is thought that the disappearance of some organisms from discharge areas may be related to the salty outflow."
I apologize, but what I claim is true, at least according to many environmentalists. Here's a brief article from Scientific American on it, some years ago:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-impacts-of-relying-on-desa...
And a relevant quote: "Beyond the links to climate problems, marine biologists warn that widespread desalinization could take a heavy toll on ocean biodiversity; as such facilities' intake pipes essentially vacuum up and inadvertently kill millions of plankton, fish eggs, fish larvae and other microbial organisms that constitute the base layer of the marine food chain. And, according to Jeffrey Graham of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography's Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, the salty sludge leftover after desalinization for every gallon of freshwater produced, another gallon of doubly concentrated salt water must be disposed of can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems if dumped willy-nilly offshore. For some desalinization operations, says Graham, it is thought that the disappearance of some organisms from discharge areas may be related to the salty outflow."
17
If you compare the part used to the ocean, the part used is ridiculously small.
Its a big sea or ocean out there. And its for extremist environmentalists to view it as small.
Its a big sea or ocean out there. And its for extremist environmentalists to view it as small.
15
Israel upon its inception threw out centuries of water wise local agricultural and industrial practices and commenced using precious aquifer water at unsustainable rates to make "the desert bloom" with tropical (i.e. extreme water user bananas and tangerines etc ) and other unsustainable crops , flamboyant landscaping water dependent and polluting industry, and European standards for indoor plumbing pools etc Israelis wanted to live "normal" for Europe not for the geography itself. Israel's depletion the natural resources and its excessive water use meant it "suffered" a lifestyle change during the drought - if it had kept to the ancient way of life there , it would barely have noticed the drought and would have no need for unfathomably destructive to ocean life desalinization plants. Israel has permanently destroyed thousands of years of sustainable society in Palestine in harmony with its environment and now must destroy the environment further through desalinization - the foreign invaders brought all their foreign "flowers" , crops and way of life not to live as people of the land, but to transform it into a quasi European state uprooting the ancient water miser olive groves by the countless acres to put in their money crops and build their massive European standard infrastructures,
86
"if it had kept to the ancient way of life there , it would barely have noticed the drought and would have no need for unfathomably destructive to ocean life desalinization plants" - there were devastating droughts there since biblical times that triggered conflicts, wars and migration thousands of years ago. Abraham had to migrate to Egypt because of a drought, so did Jacob's sons, and Joseph's wisdom was required to save Egypt from a drought. The Bible describes conflicts over scarce water.
The rest of your rant ("foreign invaders" - Jews returned to Israel to save their lives) is fictitious propaganda.
The rest of your rant ("foreign invaders" - Jews returned to Israel to save their lives) is fictitious propaganda.
95
But if this is true, why is every country in the Middle East also running out of water fast, without having really tried to emulate European standards?
29
The population increased tenfold over the past 100 years so no "water-wise local practices" would have sufficed.
17
Perhaps this should encourage us to review two issues:
Why is our government sending monies to Israel instead of the Southwestern USA ?
And should we be comparing water recycling issues based on comparable parts size and climate-wise in the Us and Israel? It seems inappropriate to expect the same water recycling in Texas or the Northeast as would be necessary in California........and to lump them all into one statistical bit.
Why is our government sending monies to Israel instead of the Southwestern USA ?
And should we be comparing water recycling issues based on comparable parts size and climate-wise in the Us and Israel? It seems inappropriate to expect the same water recycling in Texas or the Northeast as would be necessary in California........and to lump them all into one statistical bit.
25
O.K. then we would have how many friends in the Mideast? Huh?
10
I keep reading about all the US taxpayer money going to Israel. The reality is quite different. The money awarded Israel goes primarily to buy products and services created in... the US, mostly advanced military and related equipment. The point is that like so much other foreign aid to allies, most of the money stays here employing people in relatively high skills and thus paying better than Walmart and the like.
9
Please read the various comments explaining that the vast majority of "aid" to Israel comes right back to the US in the form of defense spending.
Also, water recycling, conservation, desalination would of course be tailored to fit location, climate, population etc.
The fact is we aren't doing anything at all. We ignore climate change. We have terrible droughts and now, horrendous flooding (in Texas). We have floods, often, in the Upper Midwest but no way to store and reallocate the water. We want to build oil pipelines but can't figure out how to build water pipelines.
Why attack the Israelis? Learn from them.
Also, water recycling, conservation, desalination would of course be tailored to fit location, climate, population etc.
The fact is we aren't doing anything at all. We ignore climate change. We have terrible droughts and now, horrendous flooding (in Texas). We have floods, often, in the Upper Midwest but no way to store and reallocate the water. We want to build oil pipelines but can't figure out how to build water pipelines.
Why attack the Israelis? Learn from them.
4
That $3 Billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars we give to Israel every year would be a good investment in our own infrastructure.
38
Right. So after our politicians got through slicing it up we get the same ol' same ol'. We don't need to cut back to anyone to invest in our infrastructure what we need is legislation. Every time it comes up Republicans block it.
BUT...spend more for defense.
BUT...spend more for defense.
16
You could get that as a small fraction of what the US spends trying to change the Earth climate, without even bothering to read the climate data.
4
The aid is for the army and not for civilian use, Israel gives back in many ways, the US would not have given the money if it was not profitable for the long run. a friend
5
How interesting that with regard to Israel no good deed goes unpunished.
To read some of the Israelphobic comments here you would think that it must be the most evil state in the world.
Actually, Israel is probably the most progressive, generous, self-sacrificing nation in the world, the source of endless ingenuity which it freely shares.
How many nations send relief to every place suffering disaster ( Haiti, Nepal, all over Africa++) without any recognition or thanks and at the expense of its own citizens?
Per capita, Israel produces more scientific papers, has the largest number of startup companies, and the highest ratio of university degrees of any nation. The IDF has a special unit for people on the autism spectrum and bank notes are printed with braille to assist the blind.
Where else in the Middle East could a Druze Arab serve as Acting President and a Christian Arab serves on the Supreme Court of Justice? Where else could women preside over each of the executive, legislature, and judiciary branches of government? And where else in the Middle East can two men embrace under a rainbow flag and nobody bats an eye? For years, Israel has given the gay partners of IDF soldiers who die, identical benefits as straight couples.
How does the rest of the world respond?
By bashing Israel. Just this last session General Assembly adopted 20 resolutions condemning Israel. Iran, Syria and North Korea merited one apiece.
Go figure.
To read some of the Israelphobic comments here you would think that it must be the most evil state in the world.
Actually, Israel is probably the most progressive, generous, self-sacrificing nation in the world, the source of endless ingenuity which it freely shares.
How many nations send relief to every place suffering disaster ( Haiti, Nepal, all over Africa++) without any recognition or thanks and at the expense of its own citizens?
Per capita, Israel produces more scientific papers, has the largest number of startup companies, and the highest ratio of university degrees of any nation. The IDF has a special unit for people on the autism spectrum and bank notes are printed with braille to assist the blind.
Where else in the Middle East could a Druze Arab serve as Acting President and a Christian Arab serves on the Supreme Court of Justice? Where else could women preside over each of the executive, legislature, and judiciary branches of government? And where else in the Middle East can two men embrace under a rainbow flag and nobody bats an eye? For years, Israel has given the gay partners of IDF soldiers who die, identical benefits as straight couples.
How does the rest of the world respond?
By bashing Israel. Just this last session General Assembly adopted 20 resolutions condemning Israel. Iran, Syria and North Korea merited one apiece.
Go figure.
255
I've noticed on Facebook anything related to Israel — its beaches, its progress on LGBT issues, its Eurovision contestant, anything — gets outraged responses about the Palestinians.
It's as if any mention of the US about, say, bowling as pastime, skyscrapers in NYC, wheat in Kansas — merited an outraged response about the war in Iraq.
It's as if any mention of the US about, say, bowling as pastime, skyscrapers in NYC, wheat in Kansas — merited an outraged response about the war in Iraq.
71
In the US, criticism of Israel and Iraq is partisan in nature. Don't forget at one point the Democratic Party staked its political future (ex., ran a presidential campaign) on a platform against the Iraq War, and Israel is now closely associated with the GOP. There was the highly politicized "diss" of Obama by Netanyahu.
Democrats have simply allowed the Israelphobia to flourish in the US.
Democrats have simply allowed the Israelphobia to flourish in the US.
7
Technological ingenuity does not excuse Israel's disproportionate distribution of water consumption to its citizens based upon ethnicity and religion; even if Jewish Israelis were forced to cut their current daily water consumption in half they would still receive a third more water than the so called "Arab" rural communities of Northern Israel
8
As long as takes us over 10 years to build & approve ONE desalination plant in CA we have no hope, we are gummed down with incompetent bureaucrats & government. Yes, we need an active and just government but we also need an efficient and can do government. It seems we excel at an inefficient overly expensive government and not much else.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/slaking-californias-thirstif-politics-allows...
http://www.wsj.com/articles/slaking-californias-thirstif-politics-allows...
14
The US is going to face the same story over and over: a era of stupid gluttony commenced in the US around 1960 and scaling back to more prudent consumption is going to be extremely difficult. Water is just one thing of many.
Israel faces an existential threat daily and so its people are able to balance needs and sacrifice for the greater good. The US is decades past having done that, with the individualism accelerator pressed to the floor. It's hard to imagine going back to prudent sharing.
Israel faces an existential threat daily and so its people are able to balance needs and sacrifice for the greater good. The US is decades past having done that, with the individualism accelerator pressed to the floor. It's hard to imagine going back to prudent sharing.
109
Israel and Australia are definitely the leaders in doing something about dehydration. The worrisome thing for Israel, I think, is not now that they'll run out of water. As shown here, they're excelling at reducing usage, recycling water, and creating more fresh water.
The problem is, none of their neighbors are. All of their neighboring countries are as dehydrating as they are, or worse, like Saudi Arabia which has no lakes nor rivers at all. But the rest of the region is concerning itself either with civil war, holy war, or suppression of its people, and nobody's working on desalination plants or water conservation. At the same time, despite all the war, the population of all these places continues to grow, and the water table continues to diminish.
So at some point Israel is going to be the only country left with enough water to keep its people alive. At that point I believe it'll have to fight for survival against desperate hordes of refugees, and I hope we're still around to help them win that fight. They may do some things of questionable morality, but it's clear to me that as a government, their morals are superior to all other nations in the area.
The problem is, none of their neighbors are. All of their neighboring countries are as dehydrating as they are, or worse, like Saudi Arabia which has no lakes nor rivers at all. But the rest of the region is concerning itself either with civil war, holy war, or suppression of its people, and nobody's working on desalination plants or water conservation. At the same time, despite all the war, the population of all these places continues to grow, and the water table continues to diminish.
So at some point Israel is going to be the only country left with enough water to keep its people alive. At that point I believe it'll have to fight for survival against desperate hordes of refugees, and I hope we're still around to help them win that fight. They may do some things of questionable morality, but it's clear to me that as a government, their morals are superior to all other nations in the area.
157
At that point Israel will have to fight for survival against desperate hoards: it's been that way since 1948.
32
"Saudi Arabia which has no lakes nor rivers at all"
But they have plenty of ground water replenished with floods in wadis which helped them to irrigate their lands for millennia. And now they have biggest sea water desalinization plants in the world.
But they have plenty of ground water replenished with floods in wadis which helped them to irrigate their lands for millennia. And now they have biggest sea water desalinization plants in the world.
2
As the above writer noted, the staggering population growth in the Middle East has continued apace despite social chaos, economic hardship, and vast massacres. The population of the Gaza Strip was around 1.8 million last year, and it is about 1.9 million now. The population of Iraq was around 20 million
in 1990, and with all that has happened to that suffering country since then--
loss of two major wars, sanctions, a psychopathic dictator, etc.--the population is now close to 30 million. One thing for sure, if economies and infrastructures are badly losing this Malthusian race, the world is doomed, and you can take it to the bank along with a wheelbarrow full of paper money.
arcaneone
in 1990, and with all that has happened to that suffering country since then--
loss of two major wars, sanctions, a psychopathic dictator, etc.--the population is now close to 30 million. One thing for sure, if economies and infrastructures are badly losing this Malthusian race, the world is doomed, and you can take it to the bank along with a wheelbarrow full of paper money.
arcaneone
has anyone worked out the cost of the desalinisation. It might give you a shock!
5
It's 2 to 3 times the cost of treating existing surface water.
Our household uses about 1/4 per person what the average US resident does. So moving to desal water will certainly raise our rates. But for the average US resident that moves to a conservation posture at the same time as they go to desal water, they won't notice the change in cost.
Let no good deed go unpunished!
Our household uses about 1/4 per person what the average US resident does. So moving to desal water will certainly raise our rates. But for the average US resident that moves to a conservation posture at the same time as they go to desal water, they won't notice the change in cost.
Let no good deed go unpunished!
8
Perhaps the writer could write a follow-up article that honestly depicts how Israel has historically provided the naturally available water for itself at the devastating expense of its Palestinian neighbors. Were such history better known and understood, perhaps they would feel a little more responsibility to share their newfound efforts to conserve and create water with their severely restricted neighbors, and even reduce political tension in this part of the world.
WH San Francisco
WH San Francisco
46
"Were such history better known and understood" - such history does not exist. BTW - the Palestinians don't have any responsibility to solve any of their problems? I suppose it's easier to blame Israel.
107
The issue here is about innovation. As we in California are woefully unprepared for this latest drought, perhaps Obama could release federal funds to help us during this disaster, but it's clearly not on his radar screen or part of his carefully carved out legacy.
2
Were Palestinians to cease their "wars of aggression" against Israel, both the technology and desalinated water could be shared. Actually, the technology is currently in the public domain and nothing that Israel does to ensure its national security, precludes others from adopting that technology to help meet their water needs. Israel's adaptation of desalinization and recycling technology has reduced the nation's need to tap natural aquifers, such as the Jordan valley.
7
California...are you paying attention...?
14
In the U.S., can we capture and store floodwaters in basins for future use?
4
That is why Texas has so many reservoirs to supply its water needs. The reservoirs that are at flood stage today will slowly release the excess over the next two months. BTW, Texas only has one small natural lake and could not survive without these reservoirs.
3
Texas needs to cover their reservoirs or store them underground.
Looks like not only CA could benefit from Israel's agricultural efforts, but so could every farmer in the US. Since agricultural water use is the largest consumer of fresh water nationwide, all agricultural interests should be part of the solution, not the problem, and retail consumers should expect to pay more.
77
Larry Ellison was going to put a desalination plant on his island of Lana`i, though there is no movement on that project lately. Fresh water is scarce on Lana`i, only one natural surface water source, almost no rainfall and a small freshwater lens that might provide from one to six million gallons of water a day. Given it takes a lot of energy to desalinate sea water. What I am curious about is the waste that leaves the desalination plant and what its effects would be. Obviously, the waste will be hypersaline, not as toxic as, say, fracking fluids or geothermal waste, but will it be pumped back into the ocean or injected back into the ground and what are the impacts? Into the ocean it will eventually dilute but what would be the effects around the outfall? Injected into the ground it will eventually reach the water table and make the potable water saline. It seems like a good idea. Nuclear fission seemed like a good idea, too.
5
May the Israelis move on to vanquish -- politically -- Netanyahu and Likhud.
16
Really? How relevant to the article. Maybe instead of wasting space talking about Israeli politics you should write to your politicians in California about water conservation.
31
Thanks for the advice. I considered then rejected it. We're in a California drought, but Netanyahu/Likhud pose a more acute threat to lives and peace.
10
Question: So why did G-d put the Jewish people in Israel, when He could have put them in Hawaii?
Answer: Because the land there was dry and needed water.
Answer: Because the land there was dry and needed water.
29
Israel is the source of a disproportionate amount of innovative technology and as the article points out in water management it is orders of magnitude ahead of every other country. Water is becoming the new oil...a scarce resource that is needed not just for economic growth, but for survival. It's a shame that so many countries that need Israel's innovative technologies don't even recognize that it exists. Perhaps when their citizens get thirsty enough, they'll wake up an learn from Israel's example. Unfortunately, they are more likely to blame Israel for the lack of rain.
139
"Israel, which shares the mountain aquifer with the West Bank, says it provides the Palestinians with more water than it is obliged to under the existing peace accords. "
Yeah, water two days a week, five days a week nothing, while the illegal Israeli settlements have lawns, golf courses, etc. That sure is generous of Israel when it's the Palestinians water to begin with. Then the Israelis sneer at the Palestinians for being "dirty."
Yeah, water two days a week, five days a week nothing, while the illegal Israeli settlements have lawns, golf courses, etc. That sure is generous of Israel when it's the Palestinians water to begin with. Then the Israelis sneer at the Palestinians for being "dirty."
62
Gaza, not to mention any number of other Arab countries, eg Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi, etc, have coasts and access to all the ocean water they like. Look at a map.
You don't see any of them doing this sort of thing.
You don't see any of them doing this sort of thing.
86
Nevertheless, Israel is supplying Palestinians with more water than they are required to. Perhaps the Palestinians can seek some of their own solutions.
77
Wow, that's a lot of hate.
Problem is, water costs. Palestinians prefer not to pay for the utilities they receive; hundreds of millions already owed for electric service provided off the Israeli grid.
Even this water isn't free. Do they pay? And if they get water provided does it make them any less likely to hate?
Problem is, water costs. Palestinians prefer not to pay for the utilities they receive; hundreds of millions already owed for electric service provided off the Israeli grid.
Even this water isn't free. Do they pay? And if they get water provided does it make them any less likely to hate?
56
What a wonderful world it would be if Israel, with its technological prowess, was working cooperatively with its Arab neighbors to address issues like water shortages. Instead we have the most horrific wars, hatred, prejudice and conflicts that seem to be ineradicably rooted in history.
40
Yes, that would be wonderful and, in fact, that do work with the Jordanians on water and always provide Palestinians with water before their own citizens.
21
Nonsense. The amount of water Palestinians are "supplied" is below the WHO standard. 75 days with NO water in the AIDA Refugee Camp a few summers ago. The Palestinian water is stolen for use in settlements (illegal of course) so settlers can swim while across the wall, Palestinians don't have enough to drink. Israel uses water as a weapon, cutting it off as punishment. I am a Jew and I am horrified by Israel's violation of basic human rights -- Palestinian water shortages are widely documented by WHO, UN and many NGOs.
18
It's time to wake up. Israel does not have to supply the Palestinians with anything as long as they back its destruction.
27
This facility uses reserve osmosis technology driven by electricity, NOT thermal desalination. Ideal for combination with nuclear electricity. Clean air and clean water!
13
I would lay odds that Iran will be the quickest nation in the region to emulate Israeli technology.
1
It could also be driven by solar energy, which used to heat water in a closed turbine system, could be used to generate electricity. There is no shortage of open desert land in the Negev, unsuitable for agriculture, where solar collectors can be placed for this purpose. There is already at least one demonstration project using this technology!
4
Gov. Brown, are you listening?
18
Better read this! Poseidon Water has been trying to build a plant in CA for 10 years. We are choking in bureaucracy people!
http://www.wsj.com/articles/slaking-californias-thirstif-politics-allows...
http://www.wsj.com/articles/slaking-californias-thirstif-politics-allows...
5
Better read this, Gov. Brown is listing but he can get nowhere as he is bogged down by an inefficient nanny state with way too many overpaid CA bureaucrats with gold plated pensions.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/slaking-californias-thirstif-politics-allows...
http://www.wsj.com/articles/slaking-californias-thirstif-politics-allows...
1
And why is California not following this model, especially recycling wastewater for use in agriculture?
45
How embarrassing to see that the US recycles only 1% of its wastewater, compared with 55% for Israel and 17% for Spain. Those in Congress, like Senator Inhoffe, who dismiss humans' responsibility towards caring for the earth as irrelevant according to the Bible should look to the Israeli approach towards environmental stewardship; that is another government steeped in the bible and our legislators follow Israel on virtually everything else.
33