Surface Water Utilization Policy.

This sectoral Policy is an integral part of the National Water Strategy 2016-2025. Its objective is to present what is envisioned towards the maximum utilization and optimum use of surface water, its protection, its management, and propose measures needed towards successfully integrating all its components. To achieve the objective the document establishes the rule to manage the scarce water resources efficiently and sustainable, needed to reach the national goals for long-term water security.
The policy focuses on some main matters. The water resources development shall permit to tap the full potential of surface water and an integrated development and conservation program shall be established to increase it. Supply-enhancing measures shall be adopted, such as surface and subsurface storage, construction of water harvesting schemes (ponds and desert dams) in the Highlands, existing water supply infrastructure shall be rehabilitated, removing/managing sediments starting with areas closer to the dam and moving out to cover the entire catchment and measures shall be taken to reduce the impact of climate change. The flood water requires the infrastructure investments to store this water and use it when needed.
Another focus regards the quality of treated waste-water which shall meet the national standards, monitored and reviewed, with particular attention to the water supplies for potable use.
To achieve the highest efficiency in irrigation the policy proposes the separation of bulk water distribution from retail, entrusting the retail function to private bodies, together with appropriate tariffs and incentives.
Cooperation, at local and regional level, and coordination among public and private entities shall help for monitoring biodiversity in surface water developing short-, medium- and long-term plans to address issues of ecological impacts and shared basins shall be managed on the basis of an integrated approach (IWRM).
To enable a more inclusive and efficient water system, three basic elements are the awareness among the society of water scarcity and the importance of conserving and protecting the limited resources. The second element is an efficient monitoring system, including a comprehensive national water data bank that will be established and kept at the Ministry of Water and irrigation. Finally, participation of stakeholders shall be introduced and enhanced in water resources management.