Israel Needs Abundant Rain after Five-Year Drought

November 8, 2018

by: Kate Norman

Thursday, 8 November 2018 | Israel has been blessed with early rain this year. Normally, the rainy season here lasts about six months—from October to April, according to Israel’s Water Authority. The winter rains came early, starting near the end of August.

Though the Water Authority predicted above average rainfall for this winter, the agency said that will not be enough to replenish the dangerously low natural water supply.

Israel almost consistently operates in a water deficit, having endured five years of drought. According to the Water Authority, the Dead Sea—whose water “is used for drinking and agriculture for the growing population throughout the region”—is declining at a rate of about 1.1 meters (43 inches) each year.

The Times of Israel wrote, “The Sea of Galilee [Kinneret] is Israel’s largest natural water source, and was already 214.2 meters (703 feet) below sea level by August.” When the water level reaches 213 meters (699 feet), it will have reached what is known as the black line, and the state will no longer allow it to be used as a water resource.

The Water Authority issued a statement in September: “The aggregate shortage over the past five years of drought is enormous. The natural water sources lack some 2.5 billion cubic meters (660 billion gallons) of water. We need an unusually powerful winter to make up these shortages.”

One of Israel’s leaders believes in the nation’s ability to creatively solve this problem. The Times of Israel quoted Israel’s energy minister, Yuval Steinitz: “This area is not new for us. We simply resume our historic tradition to focus and find developing water solutions.”

Psalm 68:9 says, “You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, whereby You confirmed Your inheritance, when it was weary.” The people are thankful for the early rains and hopeful that they will continue abundantly throughout the season to replenish the water supply.

Posted on November 8, 2018

Source: (Bridges for Peace, November 8, 2018)

Photo Credit: Roxaninem/pixabay.com