Large sections of the lower Jordan River could dry out by next year unless the region’s countries take action, according to two studies.

More than 100,000 gallons of water are needed to restore the river.

The studies were presented May 2 by EcoPeace/Friends of the Earth Middle East at an international conference held in Amman, Jordan. Jordanian, Israeli and Palestinian experts joined to write the studies.

The section of the Jordan River in danger of running dry runs from Lake Kinneret to the Dead Sea.

Israel, Jordan and Syria divert 98 percent of the Jordan River’s flow for each country’s use. — jta

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