Haifa Beaches Closed Indefinitely Due to Water Pollution Warning

The Israeli Ministry of Interior announced on Monday a ban on swimming at all beaches in Haifa until further notice. This decision follows the detection of pollution in the sea water and a swimming advisory issued by the Ministry of Health after abnormal microbial test results were found in water quality checks. The Ministry of Health reported irregularities in microbial levels in the sea water, prompting the advisory for all Haifa and Kiryat Haim beaches. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that water quality monitoring and testing continue, but no date has been set yet for further tests or lifting the swimming ban. It was also emphasized that once the ban is lifted, swimming will only be allowed at designated beaches during lifeguard service hours. This incident comes after a similar event in July, when swimming was prohibited at five Haifa beaches due to abnormal water test results, followed by additional sampling to assess water quality.