Israel's Water Crisis Over, Energy Minister Declares After Algae Bloom

Israel's Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Eli Cohen, announced on Wednesday that the country's water crisis, caused by an unusual algae bloom impacting desalination plants, is largely behind them. He stated that the water system is expected to return to full operation within hours.

The minister explained that the recent disruptions were due to an unprecedented algae contamination, described as a natural phenomenon not seen in 30 years. Experts believe the algae originated from the Nile Delta region in the south, leading to the shutdown of five out of six desalination facilities nationwide.

Despite Cohen's declaration of overcoming the crisis, he noted that only three of the five affected plants have resumed partial operation. "As a precaution, we have set it so that only part of a desalination plant operates at any given time, not the entire facility," Cohen clarified. The remaining two plants still show water turbidity levels higher than normal, while facilities in Hadera and Eilat are functioning correctly.

Cohen asserted that even with partial desalination operations, the country's water needs are being fully met. This is due to backup supplies from the Sea of Galilee and local drilling operations, providing over 35,000 cubic meters per hour, exceeding the demand of approximately 20,000 cubic meters per hour.

Emergency measures taken to prevent supply shortages included increased pumping from the Sea of Galilee, activating additional local wells, and close coordination with desalination companies to protect facilities and ensure a gradual return to full capacity. Water supply to agriculture has already been fully restored since Tuesday night, and remaining minor restrictions in public areas are expected to be lifted soon. The minister concluded by emphasizing the resilience of Israel's water system, calling it "a stable water economy that has proven its strength even in extreme situations."