Kinneret Water Levels Drop Amidst Desalination Plant Crisis

The Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) has lost approximately 3.3 million cubic meters of water in the past ten days due to increased pumping, a measure taken to compensate for disruptions at southern desalination plants. The algae crisis that shut down these plants necessitated drawing more water from the Kinneret and aquifers to maintain regular water supply for the public and agriculture.

In the last ten days, the Kinneret's water level dropped by 10 centimeters, from 213.30 meters below sea level to 213.40 meters below sea level. This marks the lowest level recorded on September 9th since 2018. While the current drop is significant, the Kinneret's overall condition is still considerably better than it was eight years ago, when the level was about 87 centimeters lower on the same date.

Evaporation also contributes to the water level decrease, typically causing a drop of about one centimeter per day during this time of year. The additional 2 centimeters lost since the beginning of the month are attributed to the pumping required by the algae crisis.

Historically, the Kinneret was a primary source for Israel's water supply. However, with the advent of desalination plants, its role shifted to a national water reservoir receiving desalinated water, notably through the "Reverse Conduit" project which began operating last year. With the desalination plants now offline, the Kinneret has reverted to its older function of supplying water to the national system. Once the desalination plants resume full operation, pumping from the Kinneret is expected to decrease, allowing it to gradually return to its role as a recipient of desalinated water.