RAMALLAH, January 6, 2015 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Water Authority Tuesday revealed that 95% of the groundwater in the Gaza Strip is unfit for human consumption, stressing that it is in dire need of rehabilitation.

A report issued by the water authority said that the overall potable water consumption in Gaza reached 103.34 million cubic meters in 2013, equivalent to about 90 liters per capita, noting that the quantity and quality of water consumed is inadequate and lower than the recommended global rates.

It warned that the water conditions in Gaza are continuously deteriorating as a result of the limited capacity of the underground water, estimated at 55 to 60 million cubic meters annually, while the quantity of water needed in Gaza reach about 200 million cubic meters annually.

It said that the continued extraction of groundwater caused an increase in its salinity, not to mention the increasing pollution of the underground reservoir ratios as a result of the sewage leak.

A total of 98% of water resources in the strip come from coastal underground water, while the remainder needs are covered from the limited quantities purchased from Mekorot Israeli company.

It warned that the volume of groundwater is rapidly decreasing, while the chloride and nitrate elements are steadily rising. A study, based on international standards adopted by the World Health Organization, showed that only 3.8% of groundwater is fit for human use, given the rising rate of these elements.

T.R./M.H.

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