HYDROLOGISKA PROBLEM I SAMBAND MED VATTENUTNYTTJANDE I TUNISIEN / Hydrological problems in connection with water exploitation in Tunisia
Tunisia is a country which for its economical expansion is totally dependent upon its capability to develop and manage potential water resources. Irrigation requirements are competing with the demands caused by industrialization and a fast urbanization. Development of potential water resources is aggravated by the high temporal and spatial variability of rainfall and a frequent high salinity of the ground water. The paper presents the main hydrological characteristics of Tunisia and the organization of the water administration. Different methods used in Tunisia for exploitation of potential water resources are reviewed and discussed. The paper is a part of a research project: ”Hydrological studies as a basis for water resources planning for a catchment in semi-arid climate”, financed by the Swedish Natural Science Research Council.