Israel's Water Crisis Persists Despite Desalination Plant Resumption
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Israel is still grappling with a water crisis caused by an algae bloom that threatened its desalination plants, despite most facilities resuming operation. While lower temperatures have reduced algae concentration, levels remain high in the south, impacting operations near Ashkelon and Ashdod. The government plans to increase production capacity and invest in new plants, warning that delays could raise water costs.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Most Israeli desalination plants have resumed operation after an algae bloom crisis.
- Algae concentration remains high in southern Israel, affecting plants near Ashkelon and Ashdod.
- The government plans tenders to boost existing plant capacity and invest in new facilities.
- Delays or boycotts could empower current water market players and increase tariffs.
A water crisis that began six weeks ago in Israel, caused by a microscopic algae bloom along the Mediterranean coast, is not yet over, even though most desalination plants have returned to near-full operation. The algae threatened to clog the facilities, but lower water temperatures have thinned their concentration. However, the algae levels remain higher than optimal for the plants operating in the southern part of the country, near Ashkelon and Ashdod.
The government is expected to soon publish tenders to increase the production capacity of existing desalination plants and is seeking to expedite investments in new facilities. Delays or boycotts against Israel could strengthen the position of current players in the water market and lead to higher water tariffs.