Massive Algae Bloom Shuts Down Most Israeli Desalination Plants

A significant algae bloom originating from the Nile Delta has caused an unprecedented shutdown of most of Israel's desalination plants, impacting the country's water supply. Five out of six major Mediterranean desalination facilities, including those in Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Sorek A and B, were rendered inoperable starting Saturday and by Monday due to the bloom's high turbidity. The Sorek plants briefly resumed operations Tuesday but were shut down again.

The sole plant still functioning is the Hadera facility, the largest in Israel. Its operations manager described the situation as "unprecedented in its scope," noting that five plants have never been simultaneously offline before. The Hadera plant is now operating 24/7 at the request of the state, a level of activity not seen in his 12 years with the company.

While the water supply for households remains secure, authorities have urged reductions in public gardening and other non-essential water uses. Some local communities, like Ramat Hasharon, have independently asked residents to conserve water by avoiding garden watering and filling pools. Farmers in southern Israel are particularly affected, facing a halt in irrigation that threatens crops like tomatoes, with one farmer warning of potential irreversible damage and the "death of entire harvests."

Initial investigations by the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research suggest the micro-algae are so small they can bypass initial intake filters. Satellite imagery shows large blooms in the Nile Delta, with Mediterranean currents likely carrying the material to Israel's coast. Experts estimate the issue could persist for another day or two as membranes are cleaned and plants are gradually brought back online. The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Eli Cohen, has not yet commented on the crisis.