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Syrian Arab Republic

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Syrian Arab Republic

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Water-Related Challenge Costs

Total annual estimated cost to address all water-related challenges: $4,198,834,521.00

Share of total annual estimated cost to address each individual challenge (2015 $USD):

  • Access to Drinking Water: $182,527,225.00 - [4%]
  • Access to Sanitation: $318,217,012.00 - [8%]
  • Industrial Pollution: $82,202,053.00 - [2%]
  • Agricultural Pollution: $66,289,746.00 - [2%]
  • Water Scarcity: $2,849,792,731.00 - [68%]
  • Water Management: $699,805,753.00 - [17%]

For more about this data, see information on WRI’s Achieving Abundance dataset here.

Water Challenges

As reported by organizations on the Hub.

No challenges found.

Country Overview

1.1.2.WATER USE Total annual water withdrawal in the Syrian Arab Republic was estimated at 16.69 km3/yr in 2003, 87.9 per cent of which was for agricultural purposes. From 1993 to 2003, total water withdrawal increased by almost 31 per cent. Agricultural water withdrawal followed the same trend, and municipal and industrial withdrawal increased by 39 and 89 per cent respectively. In 1999, the Euphrates and Asi-Orontes basins accounted for about 50 and 20 per cent of total water withdrawal respectively (Salman, 2004). According to Salman and Mualla (2003), total estimated water use in the Syrian Aran Republic is about 15 billion m3. The Euphrates and Orontes basins account for about 50 per cent and 20 per cent of water use respectively. Water balance in most basins has been in deficit (except in the coastal basin and the Euphrates basin). This will continue to worsen, especially in basins encompassing large urban areas such as Damascus and Aleppo. Agriculture is the largest water consuming sector in the Syrian Aran Republic, accounting for about 87 per cent of all water use. Domestic and industrial water use stands at about 9 per cent and 4 per cent respectively. While urban water demands are rapidly increasing due to the population growing around 3 per cent per year and industrial growth, new water sources are becoming scarce and extremely expensive to develop. Water deficits are expected to worsen. Since drinking water needs are given top priority in the government’s policy, water for agricultural use could face severe constraints (Salman and Mualla, 2003). Pressure on water resources comes from all sectors of the economy, with the highest demand from agriculture. In 2000, the area of cultivated land in the Syrian Aran Republic was estimated at 55,000km2, covering about 30 per cent of the country’s total area. Twenty per cent of this cultivated land area (12,000km2) was irrigated. The Euphrates and the Orontes basins make up the major share. The total irrigated area increased from 6,500km2 in 1985 to 13,000km2 in 2002 (Somi et al, 2001 and 2002). This rapid expansion of irrigated agriculture is mainly attributed to the government policy objective of achieving food self-sufficiency and the remarkable increase in groundwater irrigation (Salman and Mualla, 2003). The government’s policies have encouraged cereal and cotton production as a mechanism for ensuring the country’s self-sufficiency (Salman and Mualla, 2003). The notion of self-sufficiency was recently redefined into a more flexible concept designed to increase production of certain crops that profit from comparative advantage. Thus exports of these products can counterbalance the need to import other commodities (Sarris, 2001). The production of selective crops, especially wheat and cotton, has shown marked improvement when comparing consumption. The ratio of production/consumption for wheat has increased from 0.51 in 1989 to 1.41 in 1997. For cotton, it increased from 1.56 to 1.74 during the same period (World Bank, 2001). This high level of self-sufficiency and increased production of selective crops appears, however, to have come at the expense of unsustainable water use patterns (Salman and Mualla, 2003). Groundwater use, particularly for irrigation, has increased dramatically over the last two decades. Sixty per cent of all irrigated areas in the Syrian Aran Republic are currently irrigated by groundwater. Most are privately developed and operated (Salman and Mualla, 2003). A substantial portion of the increase in groundwater use is related to increases in irrigation for wheat, cotton, citrus and sugar beet. The area used to grow these crops has increased significantly in the last decade: sugar beet area has grown by 32 per cent, cotton by 75 per cent, irrigated wheat by 40 per cent and citrus by 40 per cent. Much of the expansion in wheat has been driven by rapid expansions of its price while water cost has remained low. Farmers from public irrigation schemes obtain water at an extremely subsidized rate, and groundwater costs do not reflect their real value because the energy required for pumping is also subsidized (Rodriguez et al, 1999) (Salman and Mualla, 2003). Government policies have contributed to the tremendous increase in groundwater irrigation. Wheat supported prices which have been higher than world prices for several years, coupled with subsidized energy costs, have proven to be a strong incentive for farmers to take up groundwater irrigation in many areas (Salman and Mualla, 2003). This great expansion of groundwater-irrigated agriculture has resulted in groundwater being overexploited in most of the country’s basins. Continuous decline in groundwater tables has affected some surface sources, such as spring flows, and caused seawater intrusion in land areas adjacent to the sea (Salman and Mualla, 2003). Traditionally, surface water has been developed widely in most basins and a large share of surface water is supplied by dams. Though there still remains some potential for further development of dams and growth of storage volume, the cost for such exploitation is considered extremely high (Salman and Mualla, 2003). Except for the Euphrates, most of the irrigation schemes’ distribution system is with low conveyance efficiency that does not exceed 40-50 per cent. Even with the Euphrates basin’s irrigation schemes’ concrete lined canals, the conveyance efficiency still does not exceed 60-70 per cent due to evaporation and poor maintenance (Salman et al, 1999). To improve the conveyance efficiency and to provide more reliable water supply to the fields, the Ministry of Irrigation has planned to convert the old open surface distribution system into a pipeline system and rehabilitate new lined canal systems (Salman and Mualla, 2003). Surface gravity system is the prevailing irrigation system at field level, covering about 95 per cent of the irrigated area in the Syrian Aran Republic. Basin irrigation is the predominant method used for wheat and barley. On-farm water use efficiency is low in general (40-60 per cent) due to overirrigation using traditional basin irrigation method. Even with cotton and vegetables, which are irrigated by furrows, the efficiency is still low due to the lack or inadequacy of land levelling. Thus, there seems to be considerable scope to increase the efficiency of water use at field level by introducing advanced on-farm irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation or by improving on-farm water management and water conservation (Salman and Mualla, 2003).

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Organizations in Syrian Arab Republic


To empower underprivileged section of the society by taking stand and providing with financial and logistic support to bring quantities and qualitative changes in their livelihood development for in an Equal and just society implementing the SDG goals by the … Learn More

Our work is initiated to strengthen the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities using well thought out health communication channels and providing aids in these same areas. Learn More

Projects in Syrian Arab Republic


Every Drop Matters (EDM) is a unique partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Coca-Cola Company, which works across Europe and the CIS, the Arab States and Asia. Since they joined forces in 2006, the partners have … Learn More

The project aimed to expand implementation of water harvesting, soil conservation, and water use efficiency among olive-farming communities in the arid mountain region of northwestern Syria. Erosion control: stone and plant “walls” in lines across field to increase surface roughness … Learn More

Improving the livelihood of farming communities and sustaining the use of water resources in Syria, this project uses soil and water conservation techniques to help farmers in the mountainous regions of Syria. The construction of rainwater harvesting tanks and water … Learn More

Suggested Resources

View the full list of 300+ resources at the Water Stewardship Toolbox

CAIR-CA has put together the following guide to some of the resources for workers who have been impacted by COVID-19. Learn More

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Developers: American Water Works Association

This page seeks to help water sector professionals keep informed on the attributions of the COVID-19 virus and any measures needed to protect both workers and public health, in general. Learn More

In this policy brief the ILO offers comprehensive and integrated recommendations on the key areas of policy action that should form part of that response.The brief is addressed at ILO constituents (governments, employers and workers), policy-makers and the general public. Learn More

In this Nature feature, Johan Rockstrom and co-authors argue that identifying and quantifying planetary boundaries that must not be transgressed could help prevent human activities from causing unacceptable environmental change. Learn More

Inform and strengthen your company’s water management strategies and allow your investors to evaluate current water management activities against detailed definitions of leading practice. Learn More

Developers: Ceres

Nature-based solution (NBS) can improve degraded ecosystems, help sequester carbon, and manage the effects of climate change, including extreme weather events. Businesses are beginning to recognize the value of NBS for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Learn More

Developers: Pacific Institute

Developed by a group of leading beverage businesses, this is an easy-to-use excel tool for beverage facilities to estimate direct costs associated with their most water- and resource- intensive processes, beyond just the cost of water from the tap. The … Learn More

An emphasis on gaps in WASH coverage and what role institutions play in battling COVID-19. Links and other resources provided. Learn More

Plan, Prepare and Respond- Breakdown for different industries on how to operate safely. Cleaning and disinfecting, Worker Safety, Support Resources, Mitigation Strategy Learn More

This report presents analysis of the response data from a sample of 783 of the world’s largest publicly listed companies. The report is aimed at companies and investors seeking to understand how they can play their part in delivering a … Learn More

The Toolbox connects your business to the latest tools, guidance, case studies, datasets, and more most relevant to you based on your circumstances and interests. It features more than 250+ resources from dozens of organizations and is updated every week. Learn More

Developers: CEO Water Mandate, Pacific Institute

This document is intended for WASH and C4D officers at country offices working together on the Covid19 outbreak preparedness and response. The document contains guidance on reviewing existing resources and coordination mechanisms, identifying the right intervention and considerations for sustainability … Learn More

Workers in office buildings may be at risk for exposure to the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Office building employers, building owners and managers, and building operations specialists can take steps to create a safe and healthy workplace … Learn More

How to ensure the safety of your occupants and building water system and devices Learn More

The campaigns, which target audiences at home and in schools, promote improved health and hygiene practices, such as handwashing, the importance of connecting to the water supply and sanitation system, regular payments for service continuity, and improving sanitation and menstrual … Learn More

Constantly updated database for California nonprofits. Contains Advocacy and support links, funding opportunities, Federal resources and information, announcements and resources, employee and employer resources, and resources for individuals. Learn More

Technical guidance, WASH preparedness, webinars, checklists for health facilities, self assessments, and guidance on disinfectants. Learn More

The purpose of these guidelines is to highlight additional measures so that the integrity of the food chain is maintained, and that adequate and safe food supplies are available for consumers. Learn More

Includes Immediate steps, ongoing health measures that can be taken, and responsible business practice Learn More

Based on the major combat guidelines set by the São Paulo State Government, Sabesp is fully engaged to endure COVID-19 pandemic within its operation area, which means 374 municipalities located throughout São Paulo state and home to about 28 million … Learn More

Developers: Sabesp

Checklist for restoring water quality in buildings left unused for a long duration. Learn More

Developers: EPA Office of Wastewater Management

CDC/EPA Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Includes Printable Materials Learn More

Best practices- Resources- Webinars on WASH/COVID-19 topics. Learn More

NBS offer a promising contribution on how to enhance the availability and quality of water for productive purposes and human consumption, while preserving ecosystems. In this discussion paper, 21 case studies of water management processes are analysed, using a non-representative … Learn More

FAO has been emphasizing the need to accelerate a global transition to sustainable food and agriculture systems, advocating an integrated approach. This document focuses on the management of water for agricultural use. Learn More

The purpose of this document is to provide ministries (e.g. Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Water (MOW)), sub-national public health authorities, and implementing partners with a practical framework of action to both prepare for and mitigate community transmission of … Learn More

This document gives advice on: 1. Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace 2. How to manage COVID-19 risks when organizing meetings &amp; events 3. Things to consider when you and your employees travel 4. Getting … Learn More

The Global Water Footprint Assessment Standard can be used to provide comparable quantification and robust analytics, helping corporations, governments, and researchers manage water resources and achieve greater water sustainability. Learn More

This guide outlines why and how investors engage on agricultural supply chain water risk. Learn More

Developers: WWF

The Committee designed this document to guide the food industry and advise its sponsoring agencies in the implementation of HACCP systems. Learn More

In this link, you will find an overview of our measures and initiatives to support the health and livelihood of employees and communities in which we operate. Our three guiding principles: Health, safety, and trust of our people Safeguard the … Learn More

Developers: Heineken

Om Prasad Gautam, Khairul Islam, and Erik Harvey discuss the importance of handwashing with soap and water in reducing the risk of infection from COVID-19 and highlight the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector can and should do in response to … Learn More

Adapting to climate change, coupled with the need to address aging infrastructure, population growth, and degraded ecosystems, requires significant investment in natural and built water systems. These investments present a significant opportunity to support not only water, but to provide … Learn More

Developers: Pacific Institute

To help our partners in responding to this health crisis in their countries, we have compiled different resources and tools around COVID-19 and WASH, which include documents, videos, social media materials with messages on public health, webinar recordings, etc. Learn More

Resources for the Long Beach community. Covers topics such as: Movement Strategy, Family Resource Government Resources Learn More

How to ensure the safety of staff and maintaining water quality in buildings with little or no use. Learn More

National Register Resources: Psychological resources and information. Learn More

OSHA has developed this interim guidance to help prevent worker exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The general guidance below applies to all U.S. workers and employers. Learn More

With private enterprises playing a critical role in contributing to the safety of their staff, it is important to change some of their core operations. This guide is meant as a stepping point to begin reopening with safety as a … Learn More

During an infectious disease outbreak, such as the current outbreak of COVID-19, small business owners must prepare for disruption in their business as well as prepare to protect their employees’ health and safety in the workplace. These steps are recommended … Learn More

Guidelines for supply chain workplaces to reopen with a robust WASH plan of action. Learn More

This report shows how putting nature to work can help deliver infrastructure services with greater impact and lower cost, all the while reducing risks from disaster, boosting water security and enhancing climate resilience. Learn More

The Coca-Cola Company is quantifying the water-related “Replenish” benefits derived through its Community Water Partnership (CWP) projects. The work described in this report builds on previous efforts, and provides a current status of quantification results for three categories of CWP … Learn More

Developers: Global Environment Technology Foundation (GETF), The Coca-Cola Company

Questions\ guidelines relating to food businesses answered by the WHO. Learn More

This guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Learn More

How to ensure the safety of staff and maintaining water quality in buildings with little or no use. Learn More

SAVEh is the platform through which Ambev shares its water management system free of charge with other companies, which has helped to reduce more than 40% of the company’s water consumption in the last 13 years. This water efficiency tool … Learn More

Developers: Ambev S/A

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Compass Business Tools inventory maps existing business tools against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It allows you to explore commonly used business tools that may be useful when assessing your organization’s impact on the SDGs. Learn More

The Colorado River Basin states face significant water challenges, including the overallocation of water, long-term drought, and climate change. This report, commissioned by the Walton Family Foundation, explores the potential for corporate water stewardship to help solve these challenges. Learn More

Developers: Pacific Institute

The City of Austin, Texas is facing an increasingly uncertain water future, from decreasing water supplies and more intense droughts to periodic flooding and water quality impairments. Austin is addressing these challenges head on, from investments in water efficiency and … Learn More

Developers: Pacific Institute

The world’s water resources are under increasing pressure from rising water consumption, pollution, and climate variability. The variety of water challenges companies face, from water governance issues to extreme events like drought, manifest in the river basins where the companies … Learn More

Developers: Pacific Institute

This report is a call to action, for the immediate health response required to suppress transmission of the virus to end the pandemic, and to tackle the many social and economic dimensions of this crisis. It is, above all, a … Learn More

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In response to the challenge of quantifying the business benefits, WaterAid, Diageo, GAP Inc., and Unilever have worked with PwC and ODI to develop a practical, step-by-step guide. The guide will help companies understand the business value of their WASH … Learn More

Developers: WaterAid

The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) Standard for Sustainable Rice Cultivation is the world’s first voluntary sustainability standard for rice. The standard is complemented by a set of 12 quantitative performance indicators. By identifying “hotspots,” the indicators enable users to monitor … Learn More

The Forest Stewardship Council created the Principles of Forest Stewardship as a worldwide standard to promote environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. Learn More

The AWS Standard is a globally-applicable framework for major water users to understand their water use and impacts, and to work collaboratively and transparently for sustainable water management within a catchment context. Learn More

Developers: Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)

This paper provides examples of how to make progress in service delivery in and beyond the workplace. With private enterprises playing a critical role in contributing to the safety of their staff, it is important to change some of their … Learn More

This tool is an interactive map linking nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation outcomes based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature. Learn More

Developers: Pacific Institute

A deep dive into three areas for business action:1 Responsible Marketing 2 Accelerating Collaborative Action at the Country Level 3 Building Resilience and Good Practice Solutions for Business Learn More

This report explores the possibilities of scaling a circular economy, given the reality of the global economy and the complexity of multi-tier supply chains. Learn More

Developers: World Economic Forum

This page brings together water and sanitation-related information from UN-Water Members and Partners in the light of the coronavirus global emergency. UN-Water is working to ensure the most up-to-date information, resources, and guidance as they become available. Learn More

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Water is the lifeblood of California, providing for the household needs of 40 million people and supporting one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, various commercial and industrial activities, and the health and viability of the state’s … Learn More

Developers: Pacific Institute

New figures from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP) indicate that WASH services in health care facilities are sub-standard in every region. Learn More

Developers: UNICEF The United Nations Children's Fund

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Companies are increasingly setting and pursing ‘water balance targets’ as part of their water stewardship strategies. The seeming simplicity of balance goals can be attractive – “we will restore a volume of water equal to the amount our business consumes.” … Learn More

Developers: WWF

The Water Risk Filter can be used to assess and respond to water related risks for your own operations, suppliers, or growth plans. Learn More

Developers: WWF

To combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus and rebuild our economies during and after the pandemic, collective action on water is essential. Such action can help not only to contain the virus, but also to realize the human right … Learn More

Developers: Pacific Institute

Safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are an essential part of preventing and protecting human health during infectious disease outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. Learn More

WBCSD Learn More

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Learn More

CTCN; UNEP Learn More

CEO Water Mandate; Water Witness International; WaterAid; WBCSD Learn More

WBCSD Learn More

IPIECA Learn More

Ceres Learn More

Ecolab Learn More

PRI; WWF Learn More

The World Bank Learn More

UNICEF; WHO Learn More

River Threat Netwrok Learn More

Swedish Textile Water Initiative Learn More

Alliance for Water Stewardship Learn More

WaterAid Learn More

CEO Water Mandate Learn More

CEO Water Mandate Learn More

McKinsey Learn More

Toilet Board Coalition Learn More

UN Water Learn More

AT&T; EDF; Global Environmental Management Institute (GEMI) Learn More

OECD Learn More

SAI Platform Learn More

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