A model for integrated water resources management in water-scarce regions: irrigation with wastewater combined with desalination processes

We have developed a model for planning water supply from diverse sources, including groundwater, the National Water Carrier, wastewater and seawater. The model integrates hydrological, technological and economic considerations, and estimates the economic and environmental impacts of alternative water management policies; it was implemented in a case study of the Emek Heffer and northern Sharon regions in Israel. A unique hydrological database was constructed and a hydrological model was developed for planning water resources use and forecasting the chloride concentration in the aquifer.