According to researchers conducting a project at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, millions of cubic meters of rain that fall in Israeli cities each year and run unused into the sea could be utilized as a source for drinking water. Use of this water, previously believed to be too polluted for drinking, could significantly ease Israel\'s water shortage. Researchers analyzed 93 samples of the runoff of rains that fell in Ashdod last winter. They found that the salt and trace element concentrations of the water from residential areas met acceptable drinking standards since they only contained a minimal amount of contaminants. The researchers believe that the study could have major implications for Israel if the runoff from its cities were routed for groundwater recharge.