National Water Policy for Palestine 2013 - 2032.

This National Water Policy is a 10-year nationwide sectoral document for the period 2013-2032 presenting the Palestinian National Authority framework of action in the water sector for the sustainable management of water resources in Palestine. It provides the planning and management framework necessary for the protection, conservation, sustainable management, and development of water resources, as well as the improvement and sustainable provision of water supply and wastewater services in the country. It refers to all the natural water resources (groundwater and surface waters, fresh, brackish, and salt waters) and the water and sanitation services provided to the People of Palestine. The Policy aims to (i) reinforce the Palestinian Authority’s approach to sustainable water resources management by ensuring that all government sectors collaborate to achieve shared water management goals; (ii) establish a framework for the coordinated development, regulation, and financial sustainability of water supply and wastewater services, ensuring unified efforts towards improved water system management, rehabilitation, and maintenance; (iii) serve as a platform for fostering close collaboration and cooperation among all water-related agencies and stakeholders at national, governorate, municipal, and local levels. It should be considered a living document, adaptable to changes that strengthen the national framework and reflect evolving water management needs at all levels.
More in detail, the National Water Policy of Palestine aims to ensure the sustainable management and development of water resources, improve water supply and wastewater services, and maintain environmental integrity. Key points include sustainable abstraction rates, preventing groundwater pollution, controlling water quality, developing non-conventional water resources, and adapting to climate change. The policy emphasizes community involvement, recognizes formal water users’ associations, and supports public awareness and participation. Water resources are defined as common property, with usage rights regulated by the national authority. Prioritization is given to domestic use, with economic benefits guiding the allocation for other uses. A national organization will oversee water rights allocation, ensuring fair distribution and handling disputes. The policy also addresses trans-boundary water issues, ensuring Palestinian water rights and promoting cooperation for optimal resource utilization. Access to affordable water and improved services for marginalized areas are prioritized, as is the financial sustainability of water utilities through clear regulations, cost recovery, and progressive tariff systems. Governance and management reforms aim to separate regulatory and service delivery functions, encourage private sector involvement, and reduce non-revenue water. Environmental protection from wastewater pollution is pursued through improved sanitation facilities, prohibition of storm-water connections to sewers, and promotion treated wastewater reuse, particularly in agriculture. Public awareness campaigns will highlight the importance of wastewater treatment and reuse.
The proposed institutional arrangements for water and wastewater governance in Palestine involve several key entities (1) Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), established in 1996, it is responsible for managing water resources, executing water policies, overseeing water projects, and coordinating with other stakeholders. Specific roles of other ministries include (i) Ministry of Agriculture: which manages irrigation policies and farmer associations; (ii) Environmental Quality Authority: which sets environmental regulations for wastewater discharge and carbon/water footprint standards; (iii) Palestinian Standards Institute (PSI): Standardizes rules for water facilities and sanitation.; (iv) Ministry of Planning: Leads national development plans considering water resource availability; (v) Ministry of Local Government: Supports Joint Service Councils (JSCs) for local implementation; (2) the Regulatory Water Council: A new body representing major water sector stakeholders, responsible for monitoring service providers' technical, economic, and environmental performance; (3) National Bulk Water Utility: Planned to produce, purchase, and transport bulk water efficiently to regional service providers; (4) Local Water and Wastewater Utilities: Joint Service Councils (JSCs) and regional utilities will handle local service provision, aiming for administrative and financial autonomy, cost recovery, and potential private sector involvement; (5) Water Users’ Associations (WUAs): Key partners in irrigation management, with efforts to formalize and establish contractual arrangements with bulk water providers and their constituencies.