The Israeli Water Policy and Its Challenges During Times of Emergency

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

It is an excellent work documenting and evaluating the water supply policy of Israel. It is a study which can be used by other countries as standard for similar investigations. The analysis emphasizes the crucial importance:

(a) of the not abandoning the use of the natural water sources (of surface  and groundwaters) and of the dealing of their degradation and

(b) of the protection of the desalination plants against oil pollution of the sea.

Some comments

Page 2: “… associated with the population growth (1), global warming (2), dehydration (3), and drought (4),”: What is meant with “dehydration” in this context?

Page 2: “… rather desalination alsohas other benefits …”: Change to also has.  

Page 5: “Notable in this context is the article by Schillinger et al., which examined the role of the water sector in armed conflicts, whether as a target or as a weapon utilized by one of the parties to the conflict, and the implications of the armed conflict for the management of water resources, such as providing basic services and a water regimen (48).”: Long sentence, difficult to follow.

Page 8: “An examination of the amount of seasonal precipitation in Israel in recent decades indicates a gradual decline.” What does the term “seasonal”  mean here? Is it referred to the wet and dry period of the hydrological year?

Page 8: “The seasonal amount of precipitation accumulated in the natural sources …”: Similar question as above.

Page 8: “… the multi-year average of the annual amount of water drawn from the wells is about 870 million meters and …”: Change to 870 million cubic meters.

Page 10: “… to keep the Degania Dam closed …”: Is this Dam and its role generally known? Give perhaps some information. 

Page 11, Figure 7: In the caption of the figure there is a gray symbol which does not appear in the graph and is not defined.

Page 12, Figure 8, in the caption: What is “Benign”? Correct “Ccubic” in cubic and “Wate” in Water. 

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

General Remarks

This study provides valuable insights into Israel's water supply policy and the role of desalination in addressing water scarcity. The study's focus on the challenges Israel faces during times of emergency is critical, given the increasing vulnerability of water systems worldwide due to climate change, natural disasters, and geopolitical conflicts. 

Strengths:

º      The study addresses a highly relevant issue-water supply policy in the context of sustainability and emergency preparedness-during a time when climate change is affecting global water resources. The use of Israel's desalination plants as a model for other countries is particularly noteworthy.

º      The research uses a combination of data from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, Water and Sewage Authority, and Meteorological Service, along with government documents, adding credibility and depth to the analysis.

Weakness:

There is no weakness in the manuscript.

Specific comments:

Title: It is recommended to modify the title of the manuscript as it is not clear whether it is an article or a review.

Abstract:

The abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the study, I recommend condensing it to focus on the most essential points. A more concise abstract will make it easier for readers to quickly grasp the key findings and implications of your work. To streamline it, focus on the primary objective of the research, the core methods used, the most significant findings, and the main conclusions. Avoid details that can be elaborated on in the main text.

Introduction:

The introduction is well-written and provides a good general overview of water policy and desalination in Israel. The introduction also highlighted research gaps in the existing literature on water policy and emergency preparedness. This justifies the study’s contribution and makes the research objectives more compelling.

Methods:

The methodology is appropriate for the study's objectives.

Findings:

º      The results are well explained in detail.

º      Figures and tables are appropriate and clearly support the key findings.

º   Figure 7 there is series 3 in the legend entries, but no data is presented in the figure. Kindly recheck the figure.

º    “As evident from the data in the figure above…”. It is suggested to cite the figures number rather than mention the figures position.

Conclusion:

The conclusions are coherent and support the results. The conclusion is well-formed and acknowledged that current policies are not fully prepared for extreme scenarios. Moreover, the study clearly outlines specific gaps in policy and infrastructure. It offers a more detailed action plan or suggestions for improving emergency preparedness which strengthens the study’s impact.

Recommendation:

It is suggested to number the sections and subsections and adopt the Journal’s style in the whole manuscript. The manuscript has potential and requires a minor revision to meet the standards for publication.

Please address these points for the improvement of the manuscript. Thank you.

Best regards

 

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf