Annual streamflows are estimated at an average of 11 MCM, with peak discharges of over 1,000 cu.m/sec. The planning was directed towards the utilization of storm runoff up to a marginal cost of US$ 0.15 per cu.m.

Various alternative schemes, such as surface storage and direct supply for irrigation and urban use or for artificial recharge of the groundwater aquifer, were evaluated with the aid of computerized simulation models.

The results of the evaluation favoured a scheme based on direct utilization from two impounding reservoirs, the one located in the vicinity of Be'er Sheva and the other further downstream not far from the coast.

These would provide an optimal combined storage capacity of about 20 MCM, and an average annual supply of about 10 MCM. The total investment in these projects, including a water treatment plant near the Be'er Sheva reservoir and water distribution facilities for both projects, is estimated at about US$ 8.5 million.