Haifa Closes Several Beaches Due to Sea Water Contamination

Amid the peak summer season and school vacation, Haifa Municipality announced on Monday the closure of multiple beaches following abnormal sea water quality test results. The affected beaches, closed until further notice as per the Health Ministry, include Student Beach, Dado Beach Station 6, Dado Central Beach Station 5, Zamir Beach Station 2 including the toddlers' pool, and both the southern and northern sections of Bat Galim Beach.

The exact source of the contamination remains uncertain, but preliminary municipal investigations suggest a malfunction in the city's drainage system caused sewage to flow into the Mediterranean Sea. Additional water samples from various beaches across the city will be tested throughout the day, with further actions to be determined based on those results.

Lifeguards have cordoned off the closed beach areas with ropes and are informing the public about safe swimming zones. The municipality urges residents and visitors to comply with the instructions and avoid swimming at the closed beaches until further notice.