Recharge and salination processes in the carbonate aquifers in Israel

Limestone and dolostone aquifers play a major role in the water supply system of Israel. In many cases, there are brackish to saline springs at their outlets. The source of the saline water and the mechanism of salinization differ from place to place. In some cases, it is due to mixing with seawater (Mediterranean or Dead Sea) at the fresh-saline water interface, while in other cases deepseated brines emerge along regional faults. The general policy for reclaiming the fresh component of the water before mixing with the saline component is to try to catch the fresh water as far as possible upstream from the outlet. In most cases, this is the area where the mixing takes place. The main case histories in Israel are discussed in this paper.