It consists of mostly consolidated alluvium increasing in thickness towards the sea. Groundwater originates from the recharge areas inland and generally flows towards the sea where it discharges. Both Egypt and Israel have invested in alternative water supply options for the coastal areas through inter-basin transfer and the use of non-conventional water resources. The Gaza Strip does not have access to alternative water resources and depends almost entirely on the Coastal Aquifer Basin for its water supply. However, as the aquifer in the Gaza Strip is severely threatened by over-abstraction and pollution, desalination is currently being explored as a major alternative source of water supply.