Stormy Weather Shuts Down Israeli Desalination Plants, Halts Southern Agriculture Water Supply

Severe weather conditions have caused significant turbidity in seawater, leading to the temporary shutdown of some private desalination facilities in Israel, the Water Authority announced. In response to the resulting water shortage over the past few hours, the authority has directed a reduction in the supply of fresh water to agriculture in the southern region.

The Water Authority clarified that the disruptions are not the result of a cyberattack. The national water company Mekorot has increased production from its available resources, which include approximately 20 local facilities, to mitigate the impact.

Officials estimate that some of the affected desalination plants are expected to resume operations shortly.