Health Ministry Warns of High Bacteria Levels in Northern Streams

Israel's Ministry of Health issued a warning on Thursday regarding unusually high levels of fecal coliform bacteria detected in several streams in northern Israel. Routine testing revealed bacterial counts significantly exceeding the ministry's recommended limit of 400 per 100 milliliters, posing a potential health risk to the public.

The affected streams and specific locations include the Hatzbani River (Gan HaTzfon and the confluence with the Jordan River), the Jordan River (from Joseph's Bridge to Arik Bridge), Meshushim Pool, Devora Waterfall on the Gilbon stream, Yehudiya, Zavitan, Zaki, El Al, Tsalmon (Haruv Pool), and Kaziv (Ein Hardalit).

Bacterial counts ranged from 440 at Ein Hardalit in the Kaziv stream to as high as 3,600 at Devora Waterfall on the Gilbon stream, and 3,500 in the Zaki stream. Meshushim Pool recorded 2,800, and Haruv Pool on the Tsalmon stream had 3,000.

Due to these findings, the Ministry of Health advised against entering these streams until further notice, when sampling results return to stable and acceptable levels. The ministry stated it will continue monitoring and updating the public as necessary. Normally, stream sampling occurs bi-weekly, with quarterly results available on the ministry's website.