Israel Weighs Coral Reef Risk to Boost Water Supply for Arava Agriculture
Israel faces a critical water crisis in the central Arava region, forcing a difficult choice between supporting local agriculture and protecting the unique coral reef in the Gulf of Eilat. Water drilling access in Jordan, which was expected to alleviate shortages, has been blocked, prompting Mekorot, Israel's national water company, to seek alternative solutions. One temporary measure under consideration is increasing desalination output at the Sabcha plant in Eilat to supply more water to southern and central Arava farmers. However, this would require discharging larger volumes of nutrient-rich wastewater into the Gulf of Eilat, raising environmental concerns.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection previously banned increasing wastewater discharge due to fears it could harm the coral reef, a national treasure known for its resilience to rising temperatures. Currently, 25 tons of nitrates are discharged annually into the gulf, exceeding the scientific limit of 22 tons. Mekorot has requested permission to raise this amount, with the decision expected from the ministry's discharge permit committee on Thursday. Environmental groups including Zalul, Adam Teva V'Din, Green Course, and Greenpeace have urged the committee to reject the request, alleging undue political pressure from Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter to approve it.
Marine ecologist Dr. Asaf Zibuloni of the Nature and Parks Authority warned that any additional nutrient enrichment poses a severe ecological risk to the coral reefs and seagrass beds, especially amid increasing heatwaves and extreme weather. He emphasized the critical need to avoid human-induced stressors like nutrient discharge. Environmentalists also requested postponing the decision until after elections to ensure an unbiased, professional review, but the urgent water needs of Arava farmers complicate delays.
Agriculture Minister Dichter denied political interference, stating efforts are solely aimed at preventing crop loss in the Arava. Mekorot clarified that the permit decision rests with the official committee, and it will comply with their ruling. The outcome will determine whether Israel prioritizes immediate agricultural water supply or the long-term preservation of the Gulf of Eilat’s coral reef ecosystem.
