ABSTRACT
I n a r id c lim a te s , limited water resources for crop production and indus trial and domestic use present a critical factor that affects development. Such issues are vital in most arid regions including the southwestern United States, the western coast of South America, Northern Africa, the Arabian Gulf, Australia, and Northern China (Figure 1). Water is essential to almost every economic activity such as industrial pro cessing, urban development, and agricultural production. Furthermore, human needs are also intimately dependent on a sufficient supply of quality drinking water and maintenance of good sanitation facilities. It is estimated that 80% of all diseases in developing countries are due to the consumption of contaminated water (Young et al., 1994). Loss of workers and increased demands on a country’s health system will hinder economic development. In addition, drought conditions may disrupt drinking water supplies and make the maintenance of sanita tion facilities more difficult. Such conditions may also have adverse effect on agricultural production.
