Carmiel Water Ban Continues for Some Residents After Bacterial Contamination

Residents of the northern Israeli city of Carmiel have been under a drinking water ban for four days due to elevated levels of bacterial contamination. On the morning of September 15, the municipality alerted citizens that raw tap water could only be used for drinking and brushing teeth after boiling. The Ministry of Health announced late Thursday that restrictions were lifted for most of the city following satisfactory laboratory test results. However, a significant portion of Carmiel, including its industrial zone, the A-Meiasdim neighborhood, and parts of the Dromit neighborhood (specifically streets like A-Prahim, Morad HaGay, and Mishol HaTzav), remains under the boiling advisory. Public facilities affected include the city's cultural center, library, stadium, shooting range, and the Histadrut House.

Mayor Moshe Koninsky explained that the elevated levels of coliform bacteria were detected in one of the four artesian wells supplying the city. He stated that the E. coli concentration was low and that specialists are working to reroute water from alternative sources. The city is continuing to monitor the situation closely.