National Water System

NATIONAL WATER SYSTEM
Israel 66th Anniversary Coin 2014/5774
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel

At the 50th Anniversary of the completion of Israel's National Water Carrier, the Israel 66th Anniversary Coin is dedicated to Israel's amazing accomplishments in maximizing the use of water in a region where water is scarce and demand for the precious resource is constantly increasing. Israel shares her successes with the world in an effort to improve water supply for the global population.

Mekorot, the Israel National Water Company, responsible for water supply to Israel's citizens, is one of the world’s most technologically advanced water companies in desalination, water reclamation, water project engineering, water safety and quality. The National Water Carrier, completed in 1964 and operated by Mekorot, transports water from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the densely populated areas of Israel further south, as far as the Negev desert. In an effort to maximize scarce water resources, more than 80% of Israel's wastewater today is treated for use in agriculture. Computerized drip irrigation and early-warning systems for leaks contribute to saving water.

After years of dependency on rainfall and in spite of the recent dry years, Israel is becoming self-sufficient in water. This is achieved mainly through desalination, which now provides around 80% of Israel's domestic water. Four desalination plants in Israel are already in operation, all built since 2005, and a fifth is soon to be opened. The Hadera Desalination Plant in Israel is the largest of its kind in the world.

Designed by artist Ruben Nutels, the Israel 66th Anniversary Coin artistically represents the admirable achievements in water management in Israel.

Obverse: Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, mint year and mint mark, face value and artistic representation of the course of the National Water Carrier from the north of Israel to the arid south, border inscription "Independence Day 2014" in English and Hebrew.

Reverse: Left, five pipes representing the five decades since the National Water Carrier system in Israel was completed, center from top to bottom, an outline of the coast, artistic representation of the course of the National Water Carrier, lower right, five leaves representing the five decades of the National Water Carrier and the desert blooming.

Edge:
Silver Prooflike Coin: Smooth
Silver Proof and Gold Coin: Milled

Mint Marks:
Silver Prooflike Coin – Star of David (Below the face value)
Silver Proof and Gold Coin – Hebrew letter "Mem" (Below the face value)

Designer: Ruben Nutels

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan

Mint: THE HOLY LAND MINT