The new levy is an attempt to save water, which is at a premium not only in Israel, but in many countries around the world.
A four-member household will be charged for up to 30 cubic meters every two months at the normal rates of between 6.34 and 7.92 shekels per cubic meter (including sewage charges). However, usage of extra cubic meters will be charged at a rate of 10 shekels each – plus a special charge of 20 shekels each for over-use.
Each extra member of a household above four entitles the household to an extra three cubic meters every month at normal rates.
The decision was made after five consecutive years of below-average rainfall, leaving the country in its worst water crisis ever. All the main water reservoirs – Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), the Coastal Aquifer and the Mountain Aquifer – are operating very near their respective “black lines.” If the water level drops below the black lines, it means nearly irreversible damage to the water supply.
The Water Authority has decided to cut 20% of the fresh-water quota for agriculture in 2009, leaving the sector with only about 400 million cubic meters per year. In addition, water-saving devices are being distributed, and public campaigns teaching the importance of water conservation are underway. However, it is well-known that the crisis will not come close to being solved without massive desalination projects.
Desalination is the Only Solution
Many water experts say that water conservation by residents could save tens of millions of cubic meters each year, and that campaigns to this effect should be run. "However," one official said, "in reality, we are not short tens of millions, but rather hundreds of millions. Therefore, desalination is the only real solution."
Israel currently desalinates 235 million cubic meters of water each year in three major plants, and plans are underway to increase this amount by expanding current capacities and by building a fourth desalination plant. The largest plant, in Ashkelon, currently produces some 100 million cubic meters - some 13% of the country's domestic consumer demand, or 5–6% of Israel's total water needs.
The government plans to desalinate some 750 million cubic meters each year by 2020. To this end, additional desalination plants are to be built along Israel's Mediterranean coast.