Northern Israel Streams Contaminated, Health Ministry Warns Public

Israel's Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection issued a warning on Wednesday regarding significant contamination found in several streams in northern Israel. Routine water tests revealed abnormally high levels of E. coli bacteria, indicating potential fecal contamination. The ministries are advising the public to avoid entering the affected streams until water quality returns to stable, safe levels.

The highest levels of contamination were recorded in the Jilbon Stream, with 3,700 E. coli per 100 ml of water, and in the Meshushim Pool, with 3,100 E. coli per 100 ml. Several points along the Jordan River also showed elevated E. coli counts, including at the Yusuf Bridge (1,000), Ha'eshet Bridge (600), Ha'hamisha Bridge (1,200), Ha'pakak Bridge (650), Atara Fortress (800), and Arik Bridge (850).

Further contamination was detected in the Banias Stream near the Kfar Sold Bridge (700 E. coli), the Hatzbani River at the confluence promenade (730 E. coli), Zachin Stream (670 E. coli), Yehudiya Waterfall (840 E. coli), and the Haruv Pool in the Tsalmon Stream (1,200 E. coli). The warning specifically advises against entering the Banias near Kfar Sold Bridge, Hatzbani at the confluence promenade, the Jordan River from Yusuf Bridge to Arik Bridge, Meshushim Pool, Jilbon Stream, Zachin Stream, Yehudiya Stream, and the Haruv Pool in Tsalmon Stream.

E. coli bacteria serve as an indicator of fecal contamination. High levels can suggest the presence of other pathogens that may cause illness, making swimming or ingesting water in these areas potentially dangerous. The source of the contamination has not yet been identified by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Water quality tests are typically conducted bi-weekly by the Nature and Parks Authority, and the ministries will continue monitoring and update the public on the situation.