DESALINATION IN TUNISIA - PAST EXPERIENCE AND FUTURE-PROSPECTS

The water desalination problem in Tunisia is reviewed. A detailed hist orical background is given and current as well as previous efforts in the domain of desalination research and development are presented. Thi s paper covers a number of ambitious initiatives, which tackled the wa ter shortage problem in Tunisia through the adoption of original progr ams and solutions adapted to the local environment. Such programs put forth effort to take advantage and harness the abundant and readily av ailable renewable energy sources toward the production of fresh water. Presented are also the prospects of water desalination in Tunisia, wh ich is currently pursued as a major component of an overall strategy t o meet future water demand and enhance the quality of drinking water i n various parts of the country. Current and projected water demand and water availability figures are given along with potential renewable e nergy sources. Strategic studies along with facts and statistics on th e regional development show that brackish and seawater desalination is becoming a must for the growth and the sustainability of the socio-ec onomic progress in the Mediterranean region.