Health Authorities Warn of High Bacterial Contamination in Northern Israel Streams

On August 3, 2026, the Israeli Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection reported elevated bacterial contamination levels in several streams across northern Israel. Water samples tested for fecal coliform bacteria revealed counts exceeding the Ministry of Health's safety threshold of 400 coliforms per 100 milliliters, indicating significant pollution.

Key sites with high contamination include the Banias stream at Kfar Szold Bridge (750 coliforms), Hatzbani stream at the Roman Bridge (440) and Gan HaTzafon hydroelectric station (430), as well as multiple points along the Jordan River, such as Joseph Bridge (800), Lahavot HaBashan Bridge (2,050), and the Hori Bridge (3,400), among others. Some locations, like the Hori Bridge, showed bacterial levels too high to count accurately.

Other affected water bodies include the Hexagon Pool (2,300 coliforms), Gilabon waterfall (470), Zaki stream (1,300), El Al stream (450), Tzalmon's Haruv Pool (3,700), and Kaziv's Delavim Pool (500). Due to these findings, authorities have advised against entering these streams until water quality stabilizes and safe levels are confirmed.

The warnings were issued to the public and local councils to prevent health risks associated with exposure to contaminated water during recreational activities in the northern region.