This book is the result of a joint research effort led by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and involving the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan, the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and the Palestine Health Council. It discusses opportunities for enhancement of water supplies and avoidance of overexploitation of water resources in the Middle East. Based on the concept that ecosystem goods and services are essential to maintaining water quality and quantity, the book emphasizes conservation, improved use of current technologies, and water management approaches that are compatible with environmental quality.

Based on a colloquium sponsored by the Water Science and Technology Board, this book addresses the need for research toward the problems of water management during drought episodes. It covers such topics as the causes and occurrence of drought, drought management options, acceptable risks for public systems, and legal and institutional aspects of drought management.

A collection of 14 proceedings for the Symposium on western water resources: coming problems and the policy alternatives, held in Denver, CO, USA, on the 27 Sep 1979.