Israel's Usable Water Supply Hits 100-Year Low Amid Drought
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israel's natural water reserves have fallen to their lowest level in 100 years due to a prolonged drought, the Water Resources Administration reported. While national rainfall was near average, regional deficits, especially in the north, have depleted the Sea of Galilee to historic lows. Southern areas, however, saw record flash floods. Despite these events, Israel continues to face "very high water stress."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's usable natural water supply has reached its lowest point in 100 years.
- The Sea of Galilee's stored water volume is at a historic low over the past two seasons.
- Northern regions experienced significant rainfall deficits, impacting water sources.
- Southern Israel recorded unprecedented flash floods with record water flow rates.
- Israel remains classified as having "very high water stress" by the WRI Aqueduct index.
Israel's available natural water reserves have reached their lowest point in a century, according to the Water Resources Administration. The prolonged drought, particularly in the north, continues to strain natural water sources. While rainfall nationwide averaged about 95% of the long-term average by the end of the season, regional variations were significant. The coastal aquifer received normal rainfall, but the Sea of Galilee basin saw only 90% and Western Galilee around 85%. The cumulative volume of water stored in the Sea of Galilee over the past two seasons is at a historic low.
Yechiel Lipschitz, Director of the Water Authority, highlighted that the past season revealed a disconnect between national rainfall figures and the actual state of water resources. In contrast, southern and eastern regions experienced unusually heavy downpours and floods. In late April, the Judean Desert and northeastern Negev received over 50 millimeters of rain in just 90 minutes, with peak water flow in the Tzeelim stream reaching 570 cubic meters per second, the highest recorded since measurements began.
The Dead Sea also showed an unusual pattern, with a drop of only 18 centimeters since the season began, compared to 63 centimeters in the previous year. Despite these localized heavy rains, Israel remains categorized under "very high water stress" according to the WRI Aqueduct index.
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