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The Amazing Construction of Israel's National Waterway: How This 130-Kilometer Pipe Changed Everything
Since its opening in 1964, Israel's National Aqueduct (HaMovil HaArtzi) has become one of the world's largest water management projects. This 130-kilometer-long water pipeline not only meets huge technical challenges, but is also the core of Israel's water resource allocation. Its main function is to transport water from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the densely populated central and arid southern regions. As the country develops, the role and influence of this project has gradually evolved.
Historical Background"This project was built not only for water supply, but also for the survival and future of a country."
The planning and construction of the national waterways dates back to early ideas before Israel's independence, but detailed planning began after independence in 1948. Initially known as the Jordan Valley Unified Water Project, the project officially began in 1953 and was completed in 1964 under the supervision of then Prime Minister Levi Ashkel at a cost of approximately 420 million New Israeli Shekels.
Water resource transformation
The opening of the National Aqueduct in 1964 marked a turning point in Israel's water management. Initially, 80% of the water was used for agriculture and 20% for drinking water. But over time, the demand for drinking water has increased significantly. By the early 1990s, national aqueducts were providing half of Israel's drinking water. It is predicted that by 2010, 80% of water will be used primarily to supply drinking water needs.
"Israel's rapid population growth and rising living standards have led to a sharp increase in water demand."
From desalination to water resources management
Since 2015, with the development of large-scale seawater desalination technology, Israel's dependence on water sources has gradually decreased. By 2016, the water provided by the Sea of Galilee only met about 10% of drinking water demand. The government's active investment has made water resource management and seawater desalination possible, reduced the amount of water extracted, and is committed to improving the ecological environment.
Waterway Design and Operation
The nation's operating system of waterways includes vast pipes, open channels, tunnels, large reservoirs and pumping stations. The first water intake point of the waterway is set at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee. After passing through the sedimentation tank, the water reaches the pumping station and then flows to all parts of the country through several water pipes without pressure. Each link is full of sophisticated design and construction challenges.
"All water conservancy facilities are closely connected to the national waterway system, forming a complete water resource flow network."
Water tensions with neighboring countries
Since the national aqueduct was built, the distribution of water resources has caused tensions between Israel and its neighboring countries. In 1964, Syria attempted to construct a water diversion scheme to deny Israel access to water, sparking greater regional tensions and conflict, culminating in the Six-Day War in 1967.
Dead Sea drying up and environmental impact
The Dead Sea’s water level has dropped by about 33 percent since the 1960s, due in part to a significant reduction in the amount of water flowing into the Dead Sea from the Jordan River following the construction of a national waterway. According to estimates by environmental groups, the amount of water Israel provides to the Dead Sea has fallen to less than 100 million cubic meters in 2021, a practice that has caused environmental problems such as land subsidence and ecological imbalance.
"Increasing competition for water resources has become a major challenge in Israel and the surrounding region."
Future Challenges and Directions
The importance of national waterways in Israel's water resources management remains irreplaceable, but as water resources become increasingly scarce, how to more effectively manage and integrate existing water resources and balance the needs of all parties will be a major challenge in the future. A major challenge for Israel. How can Israel further improve the sustainability of its water resources and find new approaches to global water management?
