Agricultural Water Management Proceedings of a Workshop in Tunisia (2007) / Chapter Skim
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Water in Tunisia: A National Perspective
Water in Tunisia: A National Perspective
Pages 88-96
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From page 88... ...
Effective management of water resources depends on continual monitoring and control as well as the implementation of reforms in the water sector. These reforms have permitted Tunisia: • To encourage the valuation of water resources and to fight waste and mismanagement in pricing water for drinking, irrigation systems, and urban demands gradually bringing the price of water closer to its real economic value • To develop a system for water conservation in the drinking water and irrigated water sectors using technical instruments and financial incentives • To encourage primary users to form cooperatives that help to control costs and assure greater efficiency in the use of water Despite the scarcity of water resources, Tunisia has adopted a water policy that has permitted: • The development of conventional and non-conventional water resources and better control of demand in all socioeconomic sectors based on an integrated and flexible plan • The development of a system of irrigation zones allowing the country to maintain a stable, growing and sustainable agricultural system • Minimization of the negative effects of the dry climate on the users • Assurance of an equitable division of water resources for all regions in Tunisia allowing the majority of inhabitants adequate water resources Thanks to the use of water policies and innovative reforms in the water sector, Tunisia has been able to assure food security and improve the quality of life in the urban, rural and Saharan zones while satisfying the needs of the industry and tourism sectors and still respecting, as much as 88
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From page 89... ...
This modeling simulates all possible resources and system demands. The simulation model illustrates potential conflicts caused by the need to satisfy water demands and suggests the appropriate timing of activities to provide additional water resources.
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From page 90... ...
There will be pressure on the agricultural irrigation sector to transfer water to the urban, industrial and tourist sectors; the agricultural sector will need to compensate by strengthening water conservation efforts and water efficiency programs. The small traditional farmer will have problems despite government subsidies which may only postpone their economic failure.
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From page 91... ...
The reuse of treated wastewaters in irrigation takes place with strict controls and sanitary procedures consistent with established norms. Recharging Subterranean Aquifers Management that integrates groundwater and surface water resources by artificial recharging from surface water resources during surplus periods is an important component of the country's water management plan.
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From page 92... ...
The price of drinking water is uniform throughout the country and is not seen as an obstacle to development. Drinking water charges allow for the recovery of operating and maintenance costs as well as capital investment in hydraulic systems.
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From page 93... ...
The administration of water in Tunisia has required several successive reforms, whose objectives were: • To encourage the valuation of water resources and to fight against all types of waste and corruption created by pricing systems adapted to the drinking water and irrigation sectors • To develop a program of water conservation in the drinking water and irrigation sectors by monitoring and controlling consumption • To encourage the participation of users in the management of collectives to control and improve efficiency • To give value to non-conventional water resources by reuse of treated wastewaters in agriculture and desalination of briny waters for drinking water needs. • To protect the quality of the resources against pollution using a widespread purification program • To adopt water and soil conservation programs to reduce erosion and to increase aquifer recharge These reforms have been discussed for a long time at many levels and in concert with the beneficiaries.
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From page 94... ...
Delays in improving access to drinking water in rural areas were overcome during the last few years, as service increased from 30% in 1986 to 82% in 2003. The pricing of drinking water assures an equitable allocation between the different levels of consumption.
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From page 95... ...
The limited capacity of the resource is fixed based on these evaluative studies. Thus, in order to maintain existing oases and allow for the creation of new oases in the south, capacity limits were established for the two major underground aquifers in Tunisia, the Complexe Terminale and the Continental Intercalaire (CI)
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From page 96... ...
Agriculture, which consumes 80% of natural water resources, has adopted a modern distribution system using water conservation and water reuse, attaining 20% artifical recharge in response to water and soil conservation projects, dams, and collinear lakes. The strategy of water resource mobilization and use constitutes an essential component of the economic and social development of Tunisia.
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