State Desalination Membrane Purchase Saves Private Plants Millions
Israel's state-funded purchase of 45 million shekels in desalination membranes to counter algal blooms will ultimately save private operators heavy future costs as severe wear was avoided.
The algal bloom crisis in Israel's desalination facilities is largely behind the water sector, though not entirely resolved. According to a Calcalist investigation, private operators stand to benefit significantly after the state purchased alternative membranes for them at an estimated cost of 45 million shekels. The state made the emergency purchase fearing that the algal bloom would cause severe membrane degradation, requiring urgent replacements. However, such wear has not materialized, meaning these state-funded membranes will serve as routine future stock, saving the facilities from heavy future expenses.
Technical Challenges and Operation
Desalination plants using reverse osmosis in Israel force high-pressure seawater through microscopic membranes that block salts while allowing water molecules to pass. These membranes are highly sensitive to organic matter, which an algal bloom dumps in unprecedented quantities. The algae can clog the membranes, release sticky organic substances, and drastically shorten their lifespan. Operating plants at full capacity during such events requires frequent chemical cleaning, which also degrades the components and risks expensive replacements or temporary shutdowns. Under normal conditions, a membrane has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
State Compensation and Current Status
Shortly after the crisis began, the Water Authority decided to resume partial operations at the desalination facilities and compensate private operators for any membrane damage. Later, the state pivoted to purchasing advance stock instead of retroactive compensation. Since the anticipated extreme wear did not occur, the private plants will save millions on expensive component replacements at taxpayers' expense. More than a month after the crisis started, the water sector has not fully recovered. According to the Water Authority, three out of six Mediterranean coast facilities still operate partially: Ashdod operates at 66% capacity, Sorek B produces 60%, and Palmachim runs at 85%. Meanwhile, Ashkelon, Hadera, and Sorek A operate at full capacity, while Ashdod continues to battle algae pollution preventing higher output, compounded by a technical pumping malfunction at Sorek B.
