Health Ministry Warns Against Swimming in Northern Streams Due to Contamination

Israel's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection have issued a public warning against entering the waters of several key northern streams, including parts of the Jordan River and Golan Heights streams, due to unusually high levels of fecal coliform bacteria detected in recent water samples. The findings, from tests conducted on September 1, indicate pollution exceeding the Health Ministry's maximum threshold. Officials from the Ministry of Environmental Protection stated that the source or cause of the contamination has not yet been identified.

The affected areas include the Banias stream from the Kfar Giladi bridge complex, the Hasbani stream near the confluence with the Jordan River, and multiple sections of the Jordan River itself between Joseph's Bridge and Arik Bridge. Additionally, warnings apply to the Golan Heights streams, including the Meshushim Pool, Jilbon stream, Zaki stream, and Yehudiya stream near the Yehudiya waterfall. The Tsalmon stream at the Haruv Pool complex is also impacted.

Routine water sampling is conducted every two weeks by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The public is advised to avoid swimming in these locations until further tests confirm the water is safe and stable.