Israeli Health and Environment Ministries Warn of Pollution in Northern Streams, Advise Against Water Entry

The Israeli Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection have issued warnings against entering several streams in northern Israel due to abnormal water contamination levels detected in recent tests. The affected sites include the Banias, Hatzbani, Jordan River, Hexagon Pool, Gilabon, Zaki, Yehudiya, Tzalmon, and Kziv streams. Water samples taken on Sunday and Monday showed bacterial contamination exceeding the Ministry of Health's recommended limit of 400 fecal coliforms per 100 milliliters.

Specific measurements included 670 coliforms at Banias near Kfar Szold Bridge, 2,300 at Hatzbani's hydroelectric station, and values ranging from 830 to 1,900 at various points along the Jordan River. The Hexagon Pool registered 3,400 coliforms, Yehudiya waterfall 3,000, and Tzalmon's Charuv Pool 2,900. Due to these elevated levels, the ministries warned against entering water at these locations until stable, safe results are confirmed.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection stated no known pollution source has been identified. Routine water sampling is conducted biweekly by Nature and Parks Authority inspectors at fixed points representing waterfalls, pools, or stream sections in the Upper Galilee, Golan Heights, and Western Galilee. The ministries will continue monitoring and update the public as necessary.