Discussion Committee:
Dr. Haefz Q. Shaheen - Supervisor
Dr. Anan F. Jayyousi - Co-Supervisor
Dr. Mohammad N. Almasri - Internal Examiner
Dr. Amjad Aliewi - External Examiner
Authors:
Nour Eddin Abdul Monem M. Jaradat
Abstract:
The Gaza Strip is facing a challenge of water shortage and the unbalanced municipal water supply-demand situation. The extraction from coastal aquifer is almost twice the available recharge that has resulted in fresh water level decline by 20-30 cm per year (PWA, 2003). The main objective of this work is provide analysis towards an integrated water resource management (IWRM) for the Gaza Strip using Water Evaluation and Planning software (WEAP). This will be accomplished through evaluating the existing water demand and supply conditions and expected future demand and supply scenarios taking into account the different operating policies and factors that affect demand.
The study methodology consists of five components. First, all needed maps and data are collected and incorporated into the model. Then development of future management scenarios were established. Next, IWRM analysis were conducted. After that, evaluation of water resources management options were provided. Finally, a set of water management recommendations are provided. The WEAP model is used to provide analysis towards building an Integrated Water Resources Management ( IWRM) tool for the Gaza Strip as a case study. Three scenarios have been considered in this work. These scenarios are also in line with those scenarios assumed in water sector strategic planning study and the GLOWA-Jordan River project. Those scenarios are
(1)Current State
(2) when economy moves on but no development in the political conditions.
(3) Independent State with economy moves on.
The political aspects and the economic conditions are the key factors in developing water resources management options for Palestine. The results shows that the gap between demand and supply will grow dramatically if current supply conditions continued, water demand varies significantly according to the assumed future political situation, and underlined the importance role of water management aspects. And the results shows that the water demand will vary according to three scenarios; the water demand will increase from 201 MCM in scenario 1, to 266 MCM in scenario 2 to 371 MCM in scenario 3 by the year 2020.
And the water demand gap will be filled if scenario 3 achieved; it turns out to be zero until year 2018. Even that the gap will be 74 MCM in scenario 2, and 105 MCM in scenario 1. Also the results revealed that an additional amounts more than 200 MCM is needed to satisfy water needs and development. The results confirmed that WEAP can be applied as a Decision Support System (DSS) tool for the water resource management in the Gaza Strip.