Shared Israeli-Palestinian groundwater is threatened by pollution
The Mountain Aquifer is one of the most significant sources of water for both Israelis and Palestinians. Nearly the entire Palestinian population in the West Bank is dependent on springs, wells or extracted water from the Mountain Aquifer for drinking and other uses. In Israel, the Mountain Aquifer supplies water to major population centers.
The Aquifer consists of a recharge area, of which the greatest part is situated in the West Bank. Due to hydrological characteristics, it is vulnerable to groundwater pollution. Large quantities of untreated sewage run on the surface of the Mountain Aquifer, percolate into the ground and threaten the continued utlization of vital water resources. Pollution sources are both Palestinian and Israeli, the threat to future water supplies is undisputed and evidence shows that groundwater in some locations has already been polluted.
FoEME has undertaken 2 research projects detailing the geographical characteristics of the Mountain Aquifer, identifying the major sources of pollution from (1) sewage and (2) solid waste. The reports describe the different solutions that have been proposed and the factors that prevent the implementation of sewage solutions or solid waste disposal facilities, as well as drawing conclusions and recommendations to protect the Mountain Aquifer.