Beneath the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip is a groundwater crisis that's rapidly depriving Palestinians of drinking water. Israel and the Palestinian authority share the Mediterranean Coastal Aquifer, which is now contaminated with salts, nitrates and boron.
But now, a solution may be at hand. A multilateral team of scientists has discovered that over pumping of groundwater by the Gaza Strip's 1.3 million people has caused the water level to drop. This has created a slope in the groundwater table, allowing the naturally saline groundwater from Israel to flow steadily westward and spoil the aquifer under the Gaza Strip.
The team of Palestinian, French and Israeli scientists, led by Israeli geochemist Avner Vengosh of Tel Aviv University, suggests that drilling several large wells on the eastern boundary of the Gaza Strip would tap the saline Israeli water and slow its progress into the freshwater supply. That would go a long way toward preserving what's left of the potable water.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.