Gaza's water woes likely to get worse

[DogPoundPup]

excerpt~
The Israeli incursion also caused damage to storage tanks, particularly in rural areas, meaning people cannot store water when it does flow.

Besides the damage to pipes, a sewage treatment centre was also hit by an Israeli airstrike, causing filthy water to spill out into the open fields nearby, instead of being partially treated and sent to the sea.

"We used to say it's a shame the water is going to the sea, instead of being treated and used for agriculture," explained Monther Shoblak, the head of Gaza's water utilities.

"Now, we pray for it to go to the sea again," Shoblak said, raising his hands towards the heavens.

The leakage would further damage Gaza's aquifer, the source of the territory's dirty water, which was polluted by a vicious cycle of sewage getting mixed into the water and a host of other problems.

Until Israel allows in needed imports, including spare parts and cement, the sewage pipe cannot be fixed and more will flow into the water supply.

The blockade on the territory, in place since Hamas came to power, has affected the water utilities work for over two years.

Since the pipe was hit in the early days of Israel's airstrikes late last month, nearly 500,000 cubic meters of sewage has flowed into the ground, leaving a pungent and powerful stench in the entire area around it, while destroying small farms growing vegetables, mostly for local consumption.

"It's just disgusting," said Shoblak, worrying about what Gazans might be drinking down the line.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=f8b1f6be-3ed1-4289-a0a3-f6f1766d5afa&&Headline=Gaza%27s+water+woes+likely+to+get+worse

[PDJane]

1. It's what the Israelis do.

They want the water. They don't want to share. They will hit civilian infrastructure until they are told it is a crime...and since they have not signed the Geneva conventions, who is going to tell them it is a crime? Who will hold them to account?

[oberliner]

2. Water is a scarce resouce

It's only going to get to be a more serious issue in the region as time goes on.

[PDJane]

3. Worse if the water is being abused;

There are reasons that the desert is not supposed to bloom. The water table cannot take western usage.

And no, the Israelis are not entitled to every resource in the reason.

[oberliner]

4. Someone needs to alert the good people of Las Vegas

It's a crime against nature what is going on over there water-wise.