As the level of Lake Kinneret begins its post-winter descent, signaling hard water times ahead, the army’s water-saving measures are well underway.
The level of Israel’s largest reservoir, the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), climbed to a height of 213.26 meters below sea level at the end of last month, thanks to end-of-winter rains and melting snow. The no-rain season has begun, however, and with it comes the Kinneret’s gradual decline. The lake has already dropped two centimeters and can be expected to lose up to another meter and a half before the winter rains begin - bringing it dangerously close to the "black line" beyond which the water quality drops below the acceptable limit.
Every centimeter of the Kinneret represents 1.7 million cubic meters of water, or the equivalent of the needs of 5,667 people per year, according to United Nations statistics. The U.N. says each person needs a minimum of 79,200 gallons (300 cubic meters) of water per year, while Israel’s water sources can supply only 40 percent of that.
Saving Water in the Army
Water economy is making strong inroads in the IDF. Special showerheads, water recyclers and other water-saving devices have been introduced in new buildings in IDF army bases and camps throughout the country, and other measures have been implemented as well. The upcoming massive transfer of IDF offices to the Negev will involve the installation of half-flush toilets and other devices in the new buildings.
In the coming year, a competition for water saving devices will take place in the IDF Bahad-1 Officers’ School in the Negev. Water-savers to be installed in faucets in bases throughout the country are expected to save not only water, but also money – 1.8 million shekels ($430,000) a year.
Carrot-and-Stick for Water Use
As of a year ago, water consumption in every army base is published quarterly, and units that use more than their quota are fined. Those that save water will be granted an increase in their budget equal to half of what they saved.
Watering of lawns is permitted in the army, according to regulations in place since 2005, only between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.; during the rainy months between November and May, watering is not allowed at all, and the regulations are expected to be toughened in the coming months.
Artificial grass is being considered for several bases and has already been installed in the Defense Ministry complex in Tel Aviv.
In addition, an awareness-raising program to the severe water crisis has begun in the army, and a pamphlet published by the Education Corps will be released next month.