Water supply to farmers resumed; expert warns: "Our systems are exposed"

Experts warn that Israel's water systems are exposed and at risk. According to specialists, sewage pollution from the Gaza Strip has exacerbated damage to infrastructure. The shutdown of desalination plants was caused by fears of physical damage due to algae accumulation. By order of the Water Authority, water supply to farmers in the south has been resumed.

The desalination crisis affecting Israel in recent days raises questions about the country's ability to cope with acute water shortages. Galit Cohen, former Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and a senior researcher at INSS, explained in a conversation with N12 how prepared the country is for extreme situations.

"In the latest case, we saw how exposed and at risk all our systems are," said Cohen, who currently leads the Israel Climate Fund (JCT). She noted that 80% of urban water consumption in Israel comes from desalination, highlighting a deep dependence on these facilities.

Measures to prevent shortages

According to Cohen, several actions can be taken before imposing restrictions on domestic supply:

1. Cutting off supply for agriculture, though this carries a heavy price for food security.

2. Reducing urban consumption: stopping the watering of lawns and gardens.

Cohen added that the Water Authority is seeking specific solutions for regions relying almost exclusively on desalination, such as the south. The possibility of reopening closed local boreholes as a backup is being examined.

Expert community stance

The Adam Teva V'Din organization also criticizes a policy that relies almost exclusively on desalination plants. According to the organization, the state invests billions in physical protection and cybersecurity for facilities but ignores critical threats such as sea pollution.

"Israel's water resilience is its security. We cannot rely on only one source," the organization states, demanding that the government fund a master plan for the restoration of groundwater and wells.

Satellite data and causes of the crisis

Satellite images of Israel's coast show a gray-green strip extending from the Gaza coast to the center of the country. The murky water, caused by algae, began spreading on August 25 and peaked on September 1.

Cohen hypothesizes that the neglect of sewage treatment in the Gaza Strip plays a significant role in the crisis. "Pollution from Gaza is reaching us. Whether it is sea pollution, air pollution, or stray animals—we need to deal with what is happening in Gaza, primarily for our own sake," she emphasized.

Currently, the Sorek 1 plant remains shut down, while the Palmachim and Sorek 2 plants are operating at half capacity. The Hadera plant continues to operate as usual; the Water Authority clarifies that there is no danger to drinking water.