Israel faces worst drought in a century

Earthweek: Diary of the planet : The Boston Globe, Nov. 29, 1999

Israel is facing its worst drought in nearly a century, and the country’s environment minister has called on the government to declare a national state of water emergency. The Middle East is already two months into what is considered its winter season with no significant rainfall being received across much of Israel. The level of country’s major water resource, the Sea of Galilee, is critically low and expected to drop even further if the recent hot, dry weather persists. Government officials are considering a number of proposals, including desalination, but it would take at least two years before the first drop of fresh water could be produced. Tanker ships may be contracted to bring in fresh water from Turkey should conditions worsen.