Counting on technology to solve freshwater shortage.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Charles E. Buban

TEL-AVIV-YAFO, ISRAEL- When Lebanon began pumping water last month from the river that feeds the Sea of Galilee, Israel's largest source of fresh water, to supply its southern villages, Israeli officials were quick to consider the diversion of its waters a serious threat.

Israeli officials said they couldn't agree to such unilateral actions, adding that they reserve the right to protect their water according to law and to international law. On the other hand, Lebanese communities in the area expressed their "right to drink their water."

Indeed, the source of fresh water is becoming a contentious issue in this parched region of Asia. Some may consider the issue political but the basic problem is that demand for water is growing, a situation acknowledged elsewhere in the world.

The World Meteorological Organization …