The Institute of Water Studies at Birzeit University was established in September 2001, to offer and contribute to the capacity building of the Palestinian water sector by providing knowledge, advisory services, graduate education (MSc level), research and continuous education through short-term training in water and related issues. In addition, the Institute of Water Studies will participate in solving crucial water problems within Palestine and the neighboring countries through research projects, consulting activities and joint regional activities.

The decision to establish an Institute of Water Studies (IWS) at Birzeit University (BZU) came as a direct result of water sector problems in Palestine, which require a multidisciplinary approach. As such, the IWS will have direct links with the various faculties and instutes of the University which will help in the implementation of the MSc program (lecturing input) and research projects.

Together with the International Institute for Infrastructural, Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering in The Netherlands, (IHE-Delft), BZU will establish a sustainable training and knowledge center at the University for professionals of the water sector in Palestine. Both partners are implementing an ongoing project Water Sector Capacity Building in Palestine (WASCAPAL) (1996 - 2001), to establish graduate education in water supply, wastewater engineering and hydrology, complete with research capacity to support the MSc program. IWS will implement the graduate program, perform research for the Palestinian community and generate income from consultancy and research assignments. The scope of the graduate program will be broadened to deliver graduates with an engineering as well as with a science or agricultural background.

Cooperation between BZU and IHE has been going on since 1993, where they have been working closely together in capacity-building activities for the water sector in Palestine. In 1994 and 1995, short courses on water supply and environmental management were organized to meet the immediate shortage of water specialists in Palestine.

Water scarcity is a very crucial problem in the Middle East, where the demand for fresh water is exceeding the available resources. Rapid urbanization and increasing growth of population cause continuous pressure on the quality of the water resources, which is deteriorating rapidly. Also, groundwater, almost the only water source in Palestine, is being over-exploited. Palestinians are demanding a larger share of the West Bank water resources, as most of the water is transported to Israel. A new source of using treated wastewater for agriculture in Palestine will be developed.

BZU intends to establish an integrated educational and research institute that will become the address for water in Palestine for all issues related to water and wastewater, whereby the quality of services rendered is high.

For more information, please contact Dr. Munzer Barakat at the above numbers.