Arab states to face water deficit if same policy continues

Water deficit in the Arab states might increase to 3.3 billion cubic meters by 2025 if the Arab states continue their current water policy, the Arab economic unity council reported.

The report pointed out that war might take place due to water deficit in the Middle East region.

The Arab states spend 15 billion dollars annually to supply water and will need to spend 20 billion dollar during the next decade to provide drinking water, requiring a $ 5.4 to $ 6 billion increase annually in water investment, the report added.

Arab population is expected to reach 320 million people within the next ten years.

The report based on a recent study by the World Bank said that the per capita share in the Middle East dropped to 1250 cubic meters in 1996 in comparison to 3,800 cubic meters in 1950 and it is expected to drop to 625 cubic meters by 2025.

Some Arab states tend to use more modern technologies to decrease use of water in the agricultural sector.