Israel Restores Water to Agriculture Amid Desalination Plant Woes

Israel has resumed water supply to agriculture in the south after desalination plants, primarily affected by micro-algae from the Nile, experienced renewed shutdowns. The Sorek desalination facility, which had briefly returned to operation overnight, was once again taken offline. Two other facilities, one additional plant in Sorek and one in Palmachim, are operating at partial capacity. These disruptions stem from unusually high turbidity in the water caused by micro-algae, which has impacted three of Israel's six desalination plants.

Despite the renewed shutdown of the Sorek facility, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Water Authority announced the restoration of water to agriculture. This was achieved through the partial return of some desalination facilities, increased pumping from the Sea of Galilee, and reservoir replenishment. Water supply to private households remains unaffected and continues as normal.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Mekorot, the national water company, is pumping four times the usual amount of water from the Sea of Galilee, and all water wells are operating around the clock. Authorities have also requested municipalities to reduce water flow to public gardens to ensure residential supply.

Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen stated that Israel's water system is resilient and that the country will ensure a steady water supply for all homes. He acknowledged the unusual natural phenomenon but emphasized the system's strength, thanking the workers from the Water Authority, Mekorot, and his ministry for their dedicated efforts.