Kinneret Water Levels Hit 100-Year Low Amid Drought
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
The Sea of Galilee has reached its lowest water levels in 100 years due to two consecutive years of drought, despite near-average national rainfall. Water Authority Director Yechiel Lipschitz highlighted the discrepancy between national averages and regional water source conditions. In a separate incident, a failed chemical dumping experiment by the Water Authority to combat algae blooms in the sea has raised environmental concerns and criticism over a lack of public transparency.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Sea of Galilee has hit a 100-year low in available water levels after two years of drought.
- National rainfall was near average, but the Kinneret basin received only 90% of its expected rain.
- Water Authority Director Yechiel Lipschitz cited the need for flexible water management and long-term planning.
- A recent experiment to combat algae by dumping chemicals into the sea failed and lacked public notification.
- A government committee expressed serious concerns about the chemical dumping experiment's risks and lack of transparency.
Two consecutive years of low rainfall have led to a historic 100-year low in available water levels in the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), according to a report released Tuesday by the Water Authority. "The last rainy season illustrates the gap that can form between national rainfall data and the actual state of water sources," said Water Authority Director Yechiel Lipschitz. He added that even when rainfall approaches average levels, water sources continue to bear the impact of the previous drought year. In contrast, southern Israel experienced an unusual season with numerous and intense flash floods.
Nationwide, cumulative rainfall reached approximately 95% of the multi-year average, with coastal and Yarkon basins at around 100%. However, the Kinneret basin received only about 90% and the Western Galilee about 85%. The Water Authority stated that the national average does not necessarily reflect the water situation in all regions due to deficits from the 2024-2025 drought year. The Kinneret specifically shows the impact of the last two seasons, with accumulated available water from the start of the 2025/26 season until the end of May totaling only about 140 million cubic meters, one of the lowest figures ever recorded.
Separately, the Water Authority's failed attempt to combat algae blooms by dumping chemicals into the sea without public notification has drawn criticism. The experiment, intended to disrupt desalination plant operations, reportedly failed and caused risks that were concealed from the public. A government committee reviewing the findings expressed serious concerns, despite the Water Authority's claims of no danger to the sea. The committee recommended an immediate fishing ban, though the Ministry of Agriculture was slow to respond. Approval for the chemical dumping was granted via a brief Zoom meeting, with materials sent to committee members only 30 minutes prior. The Ministry of Environmental Protection acknowledged the dumping's failure and stated it possesses an unpublished report detailing the experiment's negative outcomes.