Israeli Health Ministry Warns of Dangerous Bacterial Contamination in Northern Rivers and Pools

The Israeli Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection issued a joint warning on July 20, 2026, after routine water tests revealed dangerously high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in several northern streams and water bodies. The bacterial counts exceeded the permitted limit of 400 bacteria per 100 milliliters, posing health risks to swimmers. Authorities have prohibited swimming in multiple locations until further notice, including Hatzbani Stream at the river confluence promenade, the Jordan River segment from Joseph Bridge to Arik Bridge (including several other bridges), the Hexagon Pool, Gilabon Stream near Deborah Waterfall, the Zaki Stream, Tzalmon Stream at the Haruv Pool, and the Kaziv Stream near Ein Hardalit. The Environmental Protection Ministry stated that no specific pollution source has yet been identified. Water sampling is conducted biweekly at fixed points in the Upper Galilee, Golan Heights, and Western Galilee. Both ministries will continue monitoring the situation closely and update the public when water quality returns to safe levels.