Israel Water Authority Reports Full Stability After Desalination Plant Issues

Israel's Water Authority and the Ministry of Energy announced Friday that water systems have stabilized following disruptions at desalination plants. Water supply to all residents and the agricultural sector is reportedly proceeding normally and without limitations. This recovery is attributed to dynamic operations at the desalination facilities, increased water flow from the Sea of Galilee, and numerous boreholes across the country.

To ensure ample supply for the upcoming week, Mekorot (the national water company) will continue to replenish national reservoirs, especially with anticipated lower private consumption over the weekend. The authorities emphasized that drinking water is safe for consumption and domestic use.

This announcement follows a report by Channel 13 news detailing the Water Authority's experimental release of toxic pesticides, including copper sulfate at 27 times the standard dose, into the sea off the coast of Ashkelon. The release, conducted via aircraft, spanned nine kilometers, with the closest point being one kilometer from the shore. The materials, which included Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate, Aluminium Sulphate, and Sodium Percarbonate, were reportedly dispersed without prior notification to relevant authorities or the public.

The Water Authority stated the "point dispersal of permitted materials at sea was carried out with the approval of the inter-ministerial committee (led by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health)." They claim the materials pose no risk to swimmers and that environmental monitoring is underway, with results expected soon. A temporary fishing ban in the affected area was issued by the Ministry of Health as a precautionary measure pending monitoring results, with authorities assuring that fish in markets and swimming beaches remain safe.

Despite the assurances, concerns remain. Satellite images showed no improvement in seaweed proliferation in the Mediterranean, potentially impacting desalination plants further north. Internal recordings revealed a senior Water Authority official expressing uncertainty about the seaweed's disappearance and warning of potential long-term water shortages requiring difficult decisions. Another official noted that the failure of a major desalination plant, Sorek 1, had reduced national capacity significantly, leading to water pressure drops in some areas, affecting communities like Netaim.