Israel's Desalination Plants Partially Recover After Algae Bloom Outage
Nearly two weeks after a nationwide desalination system crisis, a gradual recovery is underway, though full operational capacity has not yet been reached. All desalination facilities along the coast have resumed operations, but only the Hadera plant is currently functioning at its maximum output. The other five facilities, which were affected by an unusual shutdown, are operating at only 40% to 50% of their capacity.
The disruption primarily impacted farmers in southern Israel, who were compelled to reduce or halt irrigation for their crops due to water scarcity. Local authorities also urged the public to conserve water by limiting non-essential uses such as watering gardens, washing cars, and filling swimming pools.
Israel operates six privately owned desalination plants: Ashkelon, Palmahim, Sorek A, Sorek B, Ashdod, and Hadera. The malfunction was triggered by an algae migration originating from the Nile Delta, affecting all plants south of Hadera.
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