Israel's Desalination Plants Partially Resume Operations After Algae Bloom

Eight days after a massive algae bloom forced the closure of five of Israel's six desalination plants, two facilities in Ashkelon and Ashdod remain non-operational. Three other plants, Palmachim, Sorek A, and Sorek B, are functioning at partial capacity. The Hadera plant is the only one operating at full capacity.

Despite the partial shutdown, the Water Authority and the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Infrastructure stated that the water system remains stable. Water supplies to residents and the agricultural sector are unaffected, with the deficit being covered by the operational plants, reserves from the Sea of Galilee, and water from aquifers and reservoirs.

Authorities plan to increase reserves of reverse osmosis membranes, which can be damaged by marine materials. Scientists are continuing to study the water and the causes of the algae bloom, which is suspected to originate from the Nile Delta. Previously, a mixture of substances, including copper sulfate, was sprayed along a nine-kilometer stretch of coastline. Following this, the Ministry of Health imposed a temporary fishing ban, which is still in effect.

The widespread closure of the desalination plants was an unprecedented event and temporarily impacted water supply to farmers in southern Israel. The situation has led to plans to increase membrane reserves to mitigate future damage from marine elements.