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Until the last drop: Revitalizing the water sector in Palestine

PADUCO is a cooperation programme among 11 Palestinian and Dutch universities. It has been implemented in two phases; first one from December 2013 until April 2016, and the second from October 2016 until December 2020.

Applied Research

The programe provides Multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral research projects, pilot demonstrations and testing of new technologies, and dissemination workshops for stakeholders and larger audiences. Our work is focused on different research themes, such as, water quality and pollution, and water resources and supply, and led by a team of researchers, students and non-academic stakeholders.

Education and Training

The education and training component of the programe focused on translating research findings into education and training programs and conducting trainings on student-centred educational methodologies.

From PADUCO-1 to PADUCO-2

In PADUCO-1 a team of around 60 researchers and 20 students implemented 11 small-scale research projects; published 34 reports, 15 scientific articles and 6 policy briefs; and organized 2 international conferences and 15 workshops. PADUCO-2 builds on these outputs with 5 integrated research projects, 10 small-scale research projects and 6 small grant facilities implemented by more than 80 researchers and 50 students.

PADUCO-2 Projects

Teaching Qualification Program for Junior Lecturers of Palestinian Universities

This teaching qualification programme aimed to support a process of teaching competence development for a group of selected, motivated, and preferably young academic staff from all six Palestinian partner universities. During the training programme, they improved their theoretical and practical teaching knowledge and skills, transformed their selected research materials into a course, and wrote a reflection report on their teaching portfolio. After a positive external review by educational specialists, they have received a certificate of achievement.

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Hydrochemical Characterization of Wadi Runoff and Potential Groundwater Recharge of Wadis Draining into the Jordan Valley

Currently, several projects are looking at options to recharge groundwater in the West Bank, with a special focus on wadis draining into the Jordan River in the vicinity of Jericho. Recovery of the recharged groundwater is foreseen, and the water could potentially be used for irrigation or drinking water purposes. However, not much is known about the water quality, both the development of hydrochemistry by natural pathways and the anthropogenic pollution, be it by wastewater (treated and untreated), dumps, or non-point sources. This research characterized the chemistry and hydrochemical evolution of surface and groundwater in one of more wadis draining towards the Jordan Valley that are relevant to aquifer storage and recovery/managed aquifer recharge (ASR/MAR).

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Operation and Maintenance of Newly Constructed Activated Sludge Treatment System in the Gaza Strip

Wastewater treatment plants have barely recevied funds for expansion, development and improvement of their efficiency. Despite all the difficulties and constraints imposed on this sector, CMWU, in cooperation with many partners, managed to develop this sector by expanding the wastewater networks and developing the treatment plants consistently with the present and future expansions. The preparation of training courses for the staff is fatal for the success of the operation of the new systems. The Dutch partner (IHE-Delft) conducted the training via video conference for 40 training hours covering different topics.

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Reuse of Treated Wastewater from Nablus Wastewater Treatment Plant in Production of Ready-Mix Concrete

Nablus wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has been in operation for the last two years with a capacity of 10,000 m3/day of treated wastewater. A small amount of the treated wastewater has been used for irrigation in agricultural projects (only about 233 m3 in the year 2017). Therefore; other applications of the treated wastewater are necessary for the sustainability of the plant. The ready-mix concrete industry in Palestine is huge (more than 50 plants) and considered one of the largest consumers of freshwater.

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Floriculture Cultivation in the West Bank Using Treated Wastewater and Innovative Technologies

The project provided advanced educational training in floriculture using treated wastewater, hitherto, unknown agro-hydrological discipline in the West Bank. A pilot was initiated on rose/pink cloves cultivation in greenhouses in Al Taybeh. The project covered educational training on comparing the use of treated and freshwater resources, and on agronomic/economic feasibility studies for floriculture value chain development.

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