Israel Considers Closing Area After Toxic Algae Treatment Near Ashkelon

Israeli authorities are considering issuing a closure order for an area off the coast of Ashkelon following the use of toxic chemicals to combat a severe algae bloom that has disrupted desalination plants. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture are drafting the order for the dispersal zone, located about a kilometer offshore.

Despite the potential closure, the Water Authority insists there is no danger to public health and that bathing beaches remain safe for use. They stated that an inter-ministerial committee, including representatives from the Health and Agriculture ministries, approved the use of chemicals deemed safe for drinking water and the marine environment, aimed at restoring full desalination operations.

Earlier reports revealed that the Water Authority deployed a significant quantity of toxic pesticides, including copper sulfate at 27 times the standard concentration, along a 9-kilometer stretch of the sea near Ashkelon. The operation, conducted by a "Chem-Nir" aircraft, involved a mixture of Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate, Aluminium Sulphate, and Sodium Percarbonate, substances that can cause severe eye damage upon contact. This experimental treatment was carried out without prior notification to relevant authorities or the public.

The Ministry of Health is recommending a fishing ban within the treated radius and a buffer zone extending one kilometer from the shore. This recommendation stems from concerns about water current dynamics and the potential presence of human-harming algae species like Microcystis and Cylindrospermopsis, which can produce toxins affecting the liver and causing irritation. They advise extending the ban until tissue monitoring confirms a return to normal background levels.

Meanwhile, satellite imagery shows no improvement in the algae bloom in the Mediterranean, with potential spread towards northern beaches, including Haifa, threatening the Hadera desalination plant. Despite this, the Ministry of Energy and Water Authority maintain that the water economy is operating normally, with the Sorek A desalination plant having resumed operations and water supply to homes and agriculture unaffected. Increased pumping from boreholes and the Sea of Galilee is ensuring continuous supply, with the Water Authority's hotline available for immediate response to localized issues.

Recordings from a closed meeting revealed a senior Water Authority official expressing uncertainty about when the algae would dissipate and warning of prolonged water supply shortages requiring difficult decisions. Dani Laker, head of the Water Authority's emergency division, noted that Sorek A, a major contributor, was offline, leaving only partial capacity from Sorek B and Palmahim. He described the current algae as an unfamiliar species not seen in Israel for at least 30 years and warned of a potential long-term "demand management" scenario.