Health Ministry Warns of High Bacteria Levels in Northern Israel Streams

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued a public warning regarding elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria found in several streams in northern Israel, following water sampling conducted on September 16, 2026. The detected bacteria counts significantly exceed the ministry's recommended limit of 400 coliforms per 100 milliliters, indicating potential pollution.

Among the streams with concerning results are the Hatzbani River, where the North Garden station recorded 1,180 coliforms, and the Jordan River, with readings ranging from 630 at the confluence promenade to 1,270 at the Lahavot HaBashan bridge. Other affected locations include the Meshushim Pool with 2,800 coliforms, the Devora waterfall on the Gilbon stream at 3,600, and the Haruv Pool on the Tsalmon stream at 3,000.

Due to these findings, the Ministry of Health advises that entering these streams could pose a health risk to the public until subsequent sampling shows stable and acceptable results. The affected areas include specific sections of the Hatzbani, Jordan, Gilbon, Yehudiya, Zvi, El Al, Tsalmon, and Keziv streams, as well as the Meshushim Pool.

Normally, water sampling in these streams is conducted bi-weekly. The Ministry of Health states it will continue its monitoring and provide updates as necessary. Public access to the results of quarterly stream sampling across Israel is available on the Ministry of Health website.