Water usage in the Gaza Strip: recommendations from a literature review and consultations with experts

Abstract

Water quality in the Gaza Strip has been severely compromised due to increasing salinity, contamination with pollutants, and lack of adequate treatment options. To provide the population of the Gaza Strip with advice on how to mitigate health risks from water we developed recommendations on using water from different sources for different purposes (such as for consumption, hygiene, amenities, and irrigation) based on a literature review and consultation with experts. Specific advice was developed for several vulnerable groups, including infants, children, pregnant or lactating women, and elderly people. The recommendations are inherently limited, as it is unacceptable to recommend consuming water that is of substandard quality. However, pending long-term solutions, information can be targeted to vulnerable groups to ensure that exposure to the most harmful contaminants is avoided. The implementation of these recommendations may require information campaigns to assist the population in differentiating water from different sources for different uses.

Transforming the Water‐Energy Nexus in Gaza: A Systems Approach

“…[21] Consequently, residents heavily depend on purchasing water from tankers and bottled sources for drinking purposes. [22] Desalinated water from tankers serves as the primary household potable water source for up to 83 percent of the population, while bottled water is imported from neighboring countries. [23] The Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU) is responsible for water management in Gaza, while Israel retains control over the water resources without direct involvement in local water management practices.…”

“…[ 21 ] Consequently, residents heavily depend on purchasing water from tankers and bottled sources for drinking purposes. [ 22 ] Desalinated water from tankers serves as the primary household potable water source for up to 83 percent of the population, while bottled water is imported from neighboring countries. [ 23 ]…”

Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Health-Related Hazardous Events in the Drinking Water Supply System from Source to Tap in Gaza Strip, Palestine

“…Nowadays, the vast majority of Gaza's population relies on desalinated water, mainly for drinking purposes. However, the problems related to water quality due to the presence of microbial, chemical, and physical agents have been reported in Gaza's DWSSs, primarily due to the nonhygienic practices during water transportation or storage [18][19][20][21][22]. Moreover, we underline the fragile state of coordination among institutions in charge of the water sector in the Gaza strip [23].…”