An-Najah Staff

The scarcity of available water resources in the Middle East (ME) along with the occurrence of severe drought during the last two years has stimulated interest in minimizing regional water shortages by developing new and additional water using non-conventional options including large scale brackish and sea water desalination and water import projects. After a regional review is conducted of available water resources and uses, water demand projections, potential water development options, sustainable water demand management, and non-conventional water development options, it was concluded that (1) although most low-cost conventional resources in the region have already been developed, further potential exists, but marginal costs will increase rapidly, (2) the least cost solution for short and medium term water development for the ME is water conservation through water demand management practices, and (3) regional cooperation is required on the long-term to meet the future water needs through the development of new and additional water using non-conventional options.