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Let There Be Water summary

Seth M. Siegel

Israel’s Solution for a Water-Starved World

3.7 (35 ratings)
12 mins

Brief summary

Let There Be Water by Seth M. Siegel is a non-fiction book that explores Israel's water management success story. From using wastewater to desalination, Israel's innovative solutions offer a blueprint for the world.

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    Let There Be Water
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    Water mindfulness and long-term planning set the foundations for water self-sufficiency.

    Desert covers 60 percent of Israel, a nation where annual rainfall is far from plentiful. And yet, Israel does not suffer water shortages. With enough surplus water to export to neighboring nations, Israel could teach other countries a thing or two about wise water usage.

    It all starts with Israel’s appreciation of the need to respect water. Droughts, a common occurrence when living in the desert, make it hard for any Israeli to take water for granted. On top of this, the mindful use of water is taught in schools, where students learn strategies to minimize water usage.

    But water mindfulness in Israel goes even further back. Jewish prayers for rain at certain times of the year – said three times each day – have been recited for centuries.

    Water has even featured on the country’s currency and postage stamps. The five-shekel note celebrates Israel’s National Water Carrier, the country’s largest water project, while stamps commemorate ancient water systems.

    Water mindfulness has been a crucial aspect of managing water shortages and provided the foundations for the nation’s long-term plan for self-sufficiency in water usage. In the country’s early days, Israel’s greatest water resources were located in the far north, along the border with Lebanon and Syria.

    However, this wasn’t where there was most need for water. The heavily populated area of Tel Aviv, as well as the southern Negev desert, didn’t have enough water to maintain a growing population or support profitable agriculture – a big problem.

    So what did Israel do? Through the development of a massive infrastructure project, surplus water from the north of Israel was transported to the central and southern regions.

    Israel’s National Water Carrier project was completed in 1964 and represented a giant leap forward toward water self-sufficiency. But even more innovation was still to come.

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    What is Let There Be Water about?

    Let There Be Water (2015) sheds light on Israel’s solutions to water problems. Thanks to technological innovation, clever engineering and political foresight, Israel stands out as one country that can teach other nations how to provide water in abundance for its citizens.

    Let There Be Water Review

    Let There Be Water (2015) explores Israel's innovative approach to water scarcity and offers valuable insights for a sustainable future. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its in-depth research and comprehensive analysis, it presents a clear picture of how Israel transformed itself into a global water leader.
    • The book highlights practical solutions and cutting-edge technologies that can be applied worldwide to mitigate water challenges.
    • Through captivating stories and compelling examples, it demonstrates the importance of creativity and perseverance in overcoming environmental obstacles.

    Best quote from Let There Be Water

    You can tell a lot about a country by the way it manages its water. –Shimon Tal, former head of the Israeli Water Commission

    —Seth M. Siegel
    example alt text

    Who should read Let There Be Water?

    • People interested in the state of Israel and its policies
    • Engineers and students of water policy
    • Environmentalists and anyone concerned about the world’s looming water crisis

    About the Author

    Seth M. Siegel is an entrepreneur, lawyer and writer. His work discussing water and environmental policy has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times. He’s also an in-demand public speaker and gives talks on a range of issues including politics in the Middle East, water policy and national security.

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    Let There Be Water FAQs 

    What is the main message of Let There Be Water?

    The main message of Let There Be Water is how Israel overcame water scarcity through innovation and technology.

    How long does it take to read Let There Be Water?

    The reading time for Let There Be Water varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Let There Be Water a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Let There Be Water is a fascinating book that showcases the power of human ingenuity. It's definitely worth reading for anyone interested in sustainability and innovation.

    Who is the author of Let There Be Water?

    Seth M. Siegel is the author of Let There Be Water.

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