Water scarcity, water reuse, and environmental safety

Abstract

Abstract In the arid and semi-arid regions, being the most water-deprived regions of the world, water scarcity is the most pressing challenge. The dry climate and the effects of the global warming are leading to increased pressure on the meager water resources causing a rapid quality degradation of chronically depleted water resources, while the use and disposal of numerous biological and chemical pollutants endangers the water bodies to a degree that part of the resources are not safe to use for human consumption, posing a health risk to the population. The degradation of water resources is magnified by the fast-growing population and the increase in domestic and irrigation water demand, which is impossible to meet from available natural resources. Such adverse development is already apparent in the Near East region (Israel, Palestine, and Jordan) where the shared water resources are already in a deteriorated state unable to satisfy the basic needs. To satisfy current and future needs, a new water resources management strategy is suggested, aiming at the sustainable use of available water resources, supplemented by the development of water reuse and desalination of brackish groundwater and seawater, cautiously considering the associated health and environmental safety, as discussed herewith.