Israel Considers Sealing Area After Toxic Algae Treatment Near Ashkelon

Israel's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture are drafting an order to close a section of the sea off the coast of Ashkelon, approximately one kilometer offshore, following the Water Authority's use of toxic chemicals to combat a severe algae bloom that has disrupted desalination plants. The Water Authority confirmed the use of copper sulfate, aluminum sulfate, and sodium percarbonate, applied by aircraft over a 9-kilometer stretch, stating the substances are approved for drinking water and pose no danger to public health or the marine environment. They assert that bathing beaches remain safe for use and that an inter-ministerial committee, including health and agriculture representatives, approved the chemicals' application to restore full desalination capacity.

However, the Ministry of Health is recommending a fishing ban in the treated area and a buffer zone extending one kilometer from the shore. This recommendation stems from concerns about the dynamic water currents and insufficient information regarding the specific algae strains, which could potentially include harmful types like Microcystis and Cylindrospermopsis that produce toxins affecting the liver. The ministry advises extending the ban until tissue monitoring confirms a return to normal background levels.

Recent satellite imagery shows no improvement in the algae bloom in the Mediterranean, with potential spread towards northern Israel, including Hadera's desalination plant. Despite this, the Ministry of Energy and Water Authority maintain that the water economy is operating normally, with the Ashalim A desalination plant having resumed operations and water supply to homes and agriculture unaffected. They attribute any localized issues to the unusual natural phenomenon causing partial shutdowns.

Recordings from a closed meeting revealed concerns from within the Water Authority about the algae's persistence and the potential for long-term water supply shortages, necessitating difficult demand management decisions. Dani Laker, head of the Water Authority's emergency division, noted that the Ashalim A plant, a major contributor, was offline for over 12 hours, leaving only one other plant fully operational. He expressed uncertainty about the algae's origin and duration, warning of a prolonged "emergency configuration" requiring constant decision-making.

Oded Lerner, a regional manager for Mekorot (Israel's national water company), addressed water supply issues in Moshav Netaim, explaining that reduced pressure in a main pipeline, caused by the desalination plant outages, prevented water from reaching communities without booster pumps. Another participant in the meeting criticized the Water Authority's lack of transparency and public communication.