ABSTRACT
In addition to severe water scarcity in arid regions, water resources in wadi hydrologic systems are characterized by significant spatial and temporal variability. Such variations lead to either drought periods that last for several years or to short-duration heavy rainfall that causes floods with loss of life and property damage. Recently, the developing countries, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, have experienced important socioeconomic developments with an increase in water demand. Water resources mobilization for water supply purposes, mainly for agriculture and industry, has increased almost to 80% in these regions. This rate exceeds 100% in some countries, and in order to meet the expected socioeconomic development and to ensure food security, there are countries that have had to take recourse in unconventional water resources, such as desalination units, despite the high cost.
