Israel Reports Full Recovery of Water Systems After Desalination Crisis

Following a recent crisis that disrupted desalination facilities, Israel's Ministry of Energy announced on Friday that the country's water systems have fully stabilized. Water supply to both residents and the agricultural sector is now proceeding regularly and without any limitations.

The stabilization was achieved through dynamic operational management of the desalination plants, increased water flow from the Sea of Galilee, and the activation of hundreds of boreholes across the country. Mekorot, the national water company, is expected to refill reservoirs over the weekend, anticipating a drop in private consumption, to ensure sufficient water reserves for the upcoming week.

The Ministry also reassured the public that drinking water is completely safe for consumption. Regarding materials dispersed at sea to address the issue, the Ministry stated that these were authorized substances, approved by an inter-ministerial committee including the Environmental Protection and Health Ministries. They emphasized that these materials pose no danger to swimmers, and ongoing environmental monitoring in the affected area is underway, with results to be published later.

Additionally, the Ministry clarified that a directive from the Ministry of Health concerning a localized fishing ban in the treatment area was a precautionary measure pending monitoring results. Fish in markets and at bathing beaches are deemed safe for the public. Teams from the Water Authority, Mekorot, and the Ministry of Energy are continuing to manage the situation.