Applying the Conceptual-Model of Progressive Development to the Contaminated Aquifer Underlying Israel’s Coastal Plain

Abstract

The last ten years of moderate to low precipitation rates in Israel may be a confirmation of the forecast, based on historical data, that recent, repeated droughts are a function of global warming. In this case the conventional policy of “Sustainable Development” is not sufficient to avert the impact of diminution of precipitation on Israel’s water supply. Instead, a policy of “Progressive Development” is proposed, which aims to exploit, stage by stage, first the water resources most available and at lowest cost until they are ex- hausted. Once this stage is under execution, progressive steps are taken to develop more costly resources by advanced methods of exploitation. A case study of such a development plan is the controlled deterioration of the water quality of the coastal plain aquifer of Israel. Keywords: