Israel's Water Crisis Deepens Amid Algae Bloom Disrupting Desalination Plants

Israel's water system entered a crisis in late August due to a massive bloom of microscopic algae that disrupted five major desalination plants along the coast. These facilities supply approximately 75% of the country's drinking water, and the algae continue to pose a threat. This event has highlighted concerns about the management of Israel's water resources, which have become heavily reliant on desalination while natural water sources are neglected and polluted.

Environmental organizations are urging the government to approve a master plan for the water sector, which includes urgent measures to address the increasingly unpredictable and difficult-to-manage water situation. Israel's population is projected to grow from 9.7 million in 2023 to around 16 million by 2050, nearly doubling total water consumption. Simultaneously, climate change is expected to significantly reduce rainfall, leading to a projected 16% decrease in natural water source replenishment after 2050, potentially reaching 27% by 2075.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the government has not yet approved the Water Authority's master plan, first presented in February of the previous year. This plan, mandated in 2010, is intended to guide the sector for decades, covering desalination, natural source protection, wastewater treatment, and adaptation to population growth and climate change. The plan also addresses the rehabilitation of the Coastal Aquifer, a vital underground reservoir suffering from over-pumping, saltwater intrusion, and severe pollution from industrial chemicals, fuels, and other contaminants, with an estimated 80 square kilometers contaminated.

Environmental group Zalul is calling for immediate action, including declaring a water crisis and demanding public conservation efforts to save 10% of immediate consumption. They also propose reinstating a drought levy, a higher tariff on excessive water use, and launching a public campaign for water conservation. Zalul advocates for utilizing recycled greywater, which is common globally but restricted in Israel due to a lack of regulation, and improving the quality of treated wastewater used for agricultural irrigation. The organization stresses that while desalination is crucial, it cannot be the sole solution, and Israel must manage its water resources holistically, integrating conservation, natural source protection, and efficient use of all water types to ensure water security against various threats.