Health Ministry Warns Against Swimming in Northern Streams Due to High Bacteria Levels

Israel's Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection have issued an unusual warning advising the public to exercise extreme caution when visiting northern streams and water sites in the coming days. This advisory follows the discovery of significantly elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria in water samples taken from several locations. The measured concentrations in many streams exceeded the Health Ministry's recommended limit of 400 bacteria per 100 milliliters of water.

Testing conducted on Tuesday revealed alarming results, with some sites showing bacteria counts several times higher than the acceptable threshold. For instance, the Banias stream near the Kfar Sold bridge recorded 700 bacteria, while the Hasbani stream near the Jordan River confluence measured 730. The Jordan River itself showed high levels at multiple points, including 1,000 at the Yosef Bridge and a peak of 1,200 at the Ha'ameshah Bridge. Popular nature spots like the Meshushim Pool and Jilbun registered particularly high counts, with 3,100 and 3,700 bacteria respectively.

Consequently, the warning specifically targets the Banias at Kfar Sold bridge, the Hasbani near the confluence promenade, sections of the Jordan River between Yosef Bridge and Arik Bridge, the Meshushim Pool, Jilbun, Zachy, Yehudiya, and the Haruv Pool in Tzalmon. The Ministry of Environmental Protection stated that the source of the contamination has not yet been identified.

Routine water quality monitoring is conducted bi-weekly by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority at fixed points across the northern streams. Both ministries are continuing to test and monitor the water quality and urge the public to stay updated on official guidance before visiting these sites and to adhere to all instructions until the water quality returns to stable, acceptable levels.