Desalination
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Water Authority Spends 5 Million Shekels on Controversial Sea Algae Experiment
The Water Authority spent 5 million shekels on a controversial marine chemical experiment to combat algae blooms that paralyzed desalination plants, raising severe ecological concerns.
Israel Weighs Water Cuts and Faces Scrutiny Over Desalination Crisis
Israel's Water Authority warns of potential 14% cuts to agricultural quotas in 2027 due to historic lows in the Sea of Galilee and recent failures in combating desalination algae.
Israel's Desalination Reliance Exposes Water Quality and Mineral Deficiencies
Israel's heavy reliance on desalinated water leaves drinking water stripped of essential minerals like magnesium and iodine, sparking public health concerns as regulatory bodies lag behind.

Israel Water Authority Launches New Conservation Campaign Following Plant Shutdowns
The Israel Water Authority is launching a new conservation campaign featuring actor Yigal Adika following a massive desalination plant shutdown caused by an algae bloom.
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.
Algal Bloom Exposes Israel's Water Security Vulnerabilities and Desalination Reliance
A severe microalgae bloom disrupting Israel's desalination plants exposes deep vulnerabilities in the national water sector, prompting urgent calls for master plan approval and aquifer rehabilitation.

Israel Desalination Plants Resume Full Operation After Algal Crisis
Israel's desalination plants have resumed operations after a two-week crisis caused by an algal bloom in the Mediterranean. The national water system is now fully stable.
Expert Warns Copper Sulfate Treatment in Mediterranean Endangers Israel's Water Supply
Professor Moshe Gofen warns that dispersing copper sulfate in the Mediterranean to clear desalination filters from Synechococcus bacteria could poison marine life and contaminate Israel's drinking water.
"We were prepared, we deserve a grade of 8": Water Authority director responds to the algae failure and embarrassing quotes
Yehezkel Lifshitz, director of the Water Authority, rejects the claim that the system was caught unprepared, and argues that the very fact that most of the public barely felt the crisis proves the strength of the water sector. He gives himself and the Water Authority a grade of 8 for how the crisis was handled.
Algae crisis reveals: State payments to private desalination plants jumped by about 50%
The Water Authority has increased the tariff per cubic meter of desalinated water to 4 shekels to incentivize private companies to continue operations despite algae pollution. The crisis highlights the risks associated with the full privatization of Israel's water sector.
Was the writing on the wall? The report that warned of the damage that sewage from Gaza would cause to desalination plants
Israel's desalination plants are slowly returning to operation, but many of them are still shut down. A report by the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research institute warned nearly a decade ago of the danger of pollution from the Gaza Strip that would damage the plants. The EcoPeace organization warned in November at a discussion at the American headquarters about the need to treat sewage...
Fourth day without water: Netaim residents demand a solution
Despite official claims that the crisis is subsiding, residents of Netaim remain without water for the fourth consecutive day. Local officials and residents have criticized Mekorot's handling of the situation, citing a lack of effective action.
Energy Minister Eli Cohen: "The water sector is expected to return to full operation in the coming hours"
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen announced that Israel's water sector is recovering from a crisis at its desalination plants. Production now exceeds consumption, and reservoirs are being refilled.
Water supply to farmers resumed; expert warns: "Our systems are exposed"
The shutdown of desalination plants raises questions about Israeli readiness for extreme situations. Former Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection: "Pollution from Gaza is reaching us, we must deal with it." Despite the crisis, water supply to farmers in the south has been resumed. Satellite images show the murky water that led to the shutdown.
Water supply to farmers resumed; expert warns: "Our systems are exposed"
The shutdown of desalination plants raises questions about Israel's readiness for extreme situations. Former Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection Galit Cohen stated: "Pollution from Gaza is reaching us; we must take action." Despite the crisis, water supply to farmers in the south has been resumed. Satellite images confirm the murky water that caused the disruption.
After pollution levels rose again: Sorek A desalination plant shut down
The Sorek A desalination plant has ceased operations again due to a spike in seawater pollution. Currently, only the Sorek B and Palmachim plants are operating at partial capacity.
Ministry of Energy Director General on the desalination crisis: "There is no precedent for this, but there will be no water shortage"
Yossi Dayan, Director General of the Ministry of Energy, addressed the recent crisis at desalination plants. Despite unprecedented water pollution, he assured that there will be no shortage for households.
"Unprecedented situation": Water Authority CEO warns of malfunction at desalination plants
The CEO of the Water Authority warns of an extraordinary event not seen in 20 years, which caused an almost complete shutdown of the system. These are the steps taken to prevent damage to the supply to homes.
Comptroller Repeatedly Warned of Deficiencies in Desalination System
Against the backdrop of recent desalination plant shutdowns, reports by former State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman highlight persistent vulnerabilities in Israel's water sector regarding pollution, cyberattacks, and climate change.
"A murky wave from Egypt": almost all desalination plants in Israel shut down again
The malfunction that lasted for hours yesterday has resumed. Water Authority: public gardening and agricultural activity will be reduced, supply to homes will continue.
Water supply disruptions in Israel: Situation in Gush Dan
Due to severe seawater turbidity caused by weather conditions, five of Israel's six desalination plants have been shut down. Authorities have implemented water usage restrictions across several regions.
Desalination plants south of Hadera shut down. Industry source: "Not a cyber incident"
Extreme weather conditions have affected the quality of seawater, leading to the suspension of plant operations. Following the shutdown, instructions were issued to reduce the supply of fresh water for agriculture in the south. Against this backdrop, previous Iranian attempts to target water infrastructure in Israel are being recalled, but an industry source rules out a cyberattack.
All desalination plants south of Hadera have been shut down. Industry source: "Not a cyber incident"
Extreme weather conditions have affected seawater quality and led to the suspension of plant operations. Following the shutdown, instructions were issued to reduce the supply of fresh water for agriculture in the south. Against this backdrop, previous Iranian attempts to target water infrastructure in Israel are being recalled, but an industry source rules out a cyberattack.
"Largest of its kind in the world": New desalination plant will provide 40% of drinking water
The tender committee has published the pre-qualification stage for a facility that will provide about 40% of domestic and industrial water consumption in Israel. The project in Emek Hefer will be built on 200 dunams and may include a natural gas power plant, and may also support water exports to Jordan.
The largest of its kind in the world: a giant project gets underway in Israel
The Ministry of Finance has published an international tender for the construction of an unprecedented desalination plant in Emek Hefer that will provide about 40% of annual water consumption and will affect relations with the neighboring country.