Adam Teva V’Din recently (September 2024) co-hosted an unprecedented roundtable event with Israel Water Authority that saw over 40 professionals from local authorities, water corporations, and environmental organizations delving deep into ways in which Israel can capitalize on climate-related runoff waters. Every year, Israel is overwhelmed by winter precipitation episodes that are increasing due to climate-related frequent and intense storms and flooding events. Unmanaged flood waters have caused injuries and loss of life, damage to property and contamination of streets and beaches.
Needed: A National Strategy and Funding
Participants in the Roundtable included hydrologists, engineers, municipal officials, economists and environmentalists. There was general agreement that without an official strategy, appropriate funding, investment in infrastructure and training of responders, Israelis will continue to suffer from the winter rains – and our groundwater reserves will continue to deplete.
Streamlining Processes and Improving Maintenance:
Of primary concern were the bureaucratic and logistical hurdles involved in any attempts to manage runoff. Participants recommended that there be no further delay in streamlining the licensing process, developing standardized maintenance protocols, and implementing training programs to build local expertise at the municipal level.
Addressing Space Limitations and Liability Concerns:
Space limitations in urban areas also complicate the construction of runoff systems. In particularly, it is a struggle in densely populated Israel to accommodate infiltration systems, and confusion over liability in case of failures adds further risk. Alternative methods, such as using natural streams with seepage dams, were suggested, along with the need for a clear liability chain.
Economic Challenges and Long-Term Solutions:
Economically, compensation mechanisms under the Water Law are a source of frustration. Simplifying these procedures and exploring alternatives like landscaping fees or development levies would encourage more local authorities to participate in runoff water management together with the Water Authority.
Attorney Amit Bracha, Adam Teva V’Din’s Executive Director commented that,
“Runoff is a major environmental threat and Israel’s climate response must take this into account. Proper management of runoff will guard against loss of life and reduce damage to property – and importantly, our groundwater reserves will benefit from organized replenishment and recharge of this valuable resource.”
Adam Teva V’Din will continue to initiate such events and to work on policy development and collaboration with the Water Authority. Bracha added, “The roundtables were a seminal event, and underscores yet again Adam Teva V’Din’s key role in the environmental arena – pushing government authorities to act and lead policy.”
