Officials: Israel suffering worst drought in decade

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Water officials say the country is suffering its worst drought in the past decade. If the dry spell continues, they say, Israel will have to stop pumping from one of its main drinking water supplies by the end of the summer. Water Authority spokesman Uri Schor says cutting off water pumping from the Sea of Galilee would force Israel to tap already depleted aquifers. Schor says that Israel's water problem stems from population growth and a rising number of Israelis who own homes with gardens. Some relief may be on the way, though: Schor says a desalination plant currently being built should be ready at the end of next year. Israel's rainy winter season is ending this month. The rains don't resume until next October.