Water is fast becoming the new oil. Without it, nations starve and conflicts ensue, like the piracy off the Somali coast we’ve written about. Predictions become direr as we factor in global warming. And new conflicts in the Middle East could erupt at any time over that most innocuous and life-sustaining element.

With limited resources and no cooperation from neighboring countries, authorities in Israel quickly understood that they would have to bootstrap what little water options they have, to irrigate their very dry land. Necessity spurs innovation, and along the way, Israel created an industry.

Cost effectiveness, familiarity with both the business and geographical climates, innovation, and solutions that really work, are among the factors that draw water infrastructure representatives from all over the world to meet with Israeli companies.

One of the best channels to Israeli water solutions and investments is via Oded Distel, director of the government-run NEWtech, a new initiative to help countries access Israeli water technologies. Before its establishment, contacts were usually forged at conferences, like the upcoming WATEC water conference in Tel Aviv in November.

NEWtech, which stands for the National Water Technology program, is a one-stop shop for advice and solutions pertaining to your water needs and investment goals. Read on to see more about what they do, and about some of the hottest Israeli water companies.