Water availability is one of the most-critical issues facing Arizona. The state’s long-term economic and environmental health depends on technology and policy innovations that will ensure a viable water supply. The nation of Israel faces many similar water issues, and has also emerged as a recognized leader in water management, drought mitigation and water reuse.
Dr. Clive Lipchin, one of the leading experts on water management and innovations in Israel, will speak during a breakfast program presented by Arizona Forward in partnership with Jewish National Fund (JNF) on Oct. 10 at Beus Gilbert PLLC, 701 N. 44th Street, Phoenix. As director of the Center for Transboundary Water Management at the Arava Institute, Dr. Lipchin has worked with water professionals and policy makers across the globe from the Institute’s campus in the Arava of the Negev Desert. He regularly interfaces with students and academics in Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan to address the arid region’s water issues. Because of these collabrotive efforts, funded by JNF, the area has made significant progress in conservation, desalination, wastewater treatment and education.
The discussion will provide a historic overview of water challenges in Israel, innovations, what Arizona has in common with Israel, and transboundary water management. Because the Arava Institute provides educational and technical assistance on water and wastewater services to off-grid communities that lack centralized water and sewer infrastructure – the institute’s experience could form the foundation of solutions for Arizona communities with similar infrastructure difficulties.
