The Water Project that is Transforming Mitzpe Ramon

Group photo at the Mitzpe Ramon Water Project. Photo: Yoav Devir

The Dutch Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Hans Docter, together with a team of Dutch embassy officials, visited the various sites in Mitzpe Ramon and its surroundings in anticipation of the Dutch king’s visit to Israel. “This is an important contribution to regional development, to protecting the environment and to the farmers’ livelihood,” the Ambassador said. “It makes a lot of sense to recycle water for farmers and parks.”

KKL-JNF International Relations Director Karine Bolton-Laor told the guests about KKL-JNF’s work over the years to create a better Israel and a better world: “As part of our efforts to protect and improve the environment and the quality of life, we are always glad to strengthen our connection with our friends throughout the world, especially in Holland,” she said. “The lack of resources in Israel encourages us to look for creative solutions.”

The visit began at the water reservoir, which collects recycled water from the Mitzpe Ramon sewage purification plant. The reservoir has a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters and it supplies about 400,000 cubic meters of water annually that are used to irrigate about 250 acres of vineyards and olive groves. Currently, additional water pipes are being laid, which will make it possible to channel water from the reservoir to the local KKL-JNF forest grove and to the municipal football stadium.

“In a region where there is hardly any rain and fresh water is extremely expensive, the water reservoir provides a unique solution for agriculture,” said Roni Merom, Head of the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council. “If not for the reservoir, we wouldn’t be able to have any agriculture at all here.”

He went on to explain that the cost of the purified effluents that come from the reservoir is ten times less than that of fresh water. He also emphasized the reservoir’s environmental advantage in that it prevents the flow of sewage into local streambeds.

KKL-JNF Head Scientist Dr. Doron Markel said that he has been closely following the laboratory tests conducted to monitor the reservoir’s water quality. “This water is practically on the level of drinking water, and it is suitable for all branches of agriculture. KKL-JNF has built 230 water reservoirs throughout Israel, thanks to which 90% of Israel’s effluents are recycled for agricultural use, and they provide for about 70% of Israel’s agricultural needs.”

“It’s amazing to see the technology that makes it possible to use recycled water,” said Jasper von Mastrigt, the Dutch Embassy’s First Secretary of Water Affairs. “This is an important solution for many water-related problems. It is important to find ways to take advantage of this knowhow also in other countries.”

In addition to its agricultural and environmental advantages, it turns out that the reservoir also attracts many visitors, including cyclists, local joggers and power walkers, and bird watchers.

Not far from here are the “Edge of the Desert” tree plantations, a project preparing desert land for agriculture and eco-agro tourism. Thanks to this project, supported by friends of JNF Holland, about 250 acres of previously arid land have been prepared for the planting of vineyards and olive groves.

This agricultural initiative not only contributes to developing agriculture that is suitable for the dry desert climate, but is also a tourist attraction. Development includes land preparation, paving agricultural roads, creating hiking and cycling paths, restoring agricultural terraces and developing desert gardens for the benefit of visitors.

The visit concluded at the King’s Forest Grove, which includes 200 trees to mark 200 years of the royal dynasty in Holland. A paved path winds its way between the trees, making its way to a plaza shaded by a pergola, where one can sit for a short rest and enjoy the view of the desert landscapes.

The Ambassador planted a carob tree in the forest grove, and was happy to hear that this was a local tree mentioned in the Bible and famous for its sweet fruit. “I am proud that many people from Holland support environmental projects and contribute towards protecting the environment in Israel. I will meet the King when he arrives in Israel, and of course I will tell him about my visit to this very special place,” the Ambassador concluded.