Insufficient rain during the winter has resulted in a serious water shortage in the municipal reservoir in Jerusalem. The rainfall was much less than last year, and even then there was a shortage during the hot months. It is understood that from June water will be brought by train from the vicinity of Ludd, as was done three years ago. This is a very cumbersome and expensive method, and may be found in addition to be inadequate to solve the problem. It is said that the Urtas Spring near Hebron, for the use of which the Palestine Government had to obtain a judgment from the Privy Council a few years ago, overruling the objection of the local Arab population, will probably have to be resorted to again this year.
The acute water shortage in Jerusalem was evidenced a few months ago, when the householders, paying what is considered an exorbitant water rate, were supplied only once in 48 hours. During the summer period it is believed to be the intention of the Water Department to fill the tanks only once in three days.
Building activity may be seriously crippled by the scarcity of water, since the authorities will probably find it necessary to restrict the supply for building purposes in order to provide for the most essential needs of the population.
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