Israel's Desalination Plants Resume Operations After Algae Bloom Crisis

Israel's water economy is returning to normal following an unusual event that temporarily disrupted its desalination facilities. Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen announced that the plants are gradually resuming operations, with current water production significantly exceeding the nation's daily consumption.

According to Cohen, water production is now at approximately 35,000 cubic meters per hour, compared to a consumption rate of about 20,000 cubic meters per hour. This surplus of 15,000 cubic meters per hour is being used to replenish the country's water reservoirs. The return to full capacity is being managed carefully, with the Sorek 1, Sorek 2, and Palmahim plants restarting partially due to concerns about damage to sensitive equipment. No damage to the systems was reported in the first 24 hours of operation.

The crisis had previously led to a halt in water supply for some farmers in the Nitzana region, endangering approximately 20,000 dunams of crops. The disruption was caused by an unprecedented natural phenomenon: an algae bloom originating from the Nile region led to extreme turbidity in the Mediterranean Sea. This unusual condition raised fears of damage to the delicate membranes used in the desalination process, prompting the shutdown of most facilities.

The Hadera desalination plant was the only facility that continued to operate at full capacity throughout the event. The Ministry of Energy described the incident as unprecedented, highlighting Israel's heavy reliance on desalination for its water supply. While drinking water for households remained unaffected, other uses, such as watering public gardens and supplying certain agricultural sectors, were temporarily curtailed.

With operations now restored and production exceeding demand, the country is focused on refilling reservoirs and stabilizing the water economy.