As ironic as it sounds, I have read news stories lately that say the Dead Sea is dying. The world’s saltiest body of water and lowest exposed point on the Earth’s surface is in danger of drying up because it is lacking in fresh water. The Dead Sea has been fed fresh water from the Jordan River since biblical times. But, the Jordan River’s supply of fresh water is now being used for agricultural and hydroelectric projects. Because of this, the Dead Sea has lost about 98% of the water it once got from the Jordan River. In addition, an evaporation basin used to farm the Sea’s minerals has lowered the already diminished sea level at least a meter in the past 20 years. It is reported that in the past 50 years, the Dead Sea has lost 1/3 of its surface and the water level has continually dropped.
What can be done about this? The Friends of the Earth Israel are hoping change can come about before the whole area becomes an ecological tragedy. In July 2005, the World Bank approved a $15.5 million dollar study to be conducted by a group of Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians that would propose a 200-kilometer canal be built to bring water from the Red Sea. The canal would pump water 400 feet up the Arava from Aqaba, tunnel under the Arava Valley, then the salt water would drop 1700 feet into the Dead Sea. If this appears to be a feasible solution to the problem, it would take 5 years to complete the plan. However, Israel has cut off almost all contact with the Palestinians, so the study is already off to a rocky start. Another problem is the Red Sea will bring in salt water – not fresh water and scientists fear it might upset the balance of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea would need 2 billion cubic meters of water each year from the Red Sea to make up for the losses.
Learn more about the Dead Sea at Amazon.com.
Hopefully, the countries involved in the study can set aside politics and devise a plan to save this great natural spa and wonder of nature.