PNN – Hebrew media have acknowledged that, despite the activation of certain facilities, the issue facing Israel’s desalination plants remains unresolved.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; the newspaper Maariv reported on its website this Saturday that while the water supply in Israel (occupied Palestine) has achieved a degree of stability, the algae crisis persists; in addition to the Ashkelon plant, the water treatment facility in Hadera (in northern occupied Palestine) is now also grappling with the problem.
The report further states that water supply systems serving residents and the agricultural sector have reached a state of relative stability.
To achieve this, water pumping from the Sea of Galilee and from numerous wells across (occupied Palestine) was increased.
Over the weekend, maritime operations were conducted to combat the proliferation of algae; these measures included the aerial dispersal of various substances over areas where high concentrations and extensive coverage had been recorded.
According to this media outlet, relevant Israeli authorities are using specific chemicals to eliminate the algae, sparking significant concern regarding the potential harm and consequences for individuals—particularly swimmers—as well as for fish caught during this period.
Although the Ministry of Health has described the fishing ban as a precautionary measure, many citizens remain concerned about the repercussions of the algae-removal operations.
Another part of the report emphasizes that efforts to combat the algae were initially carried out in the Ashkelon area; however, the nature and root cause of the massive algae bloom near the water desalination facilities remain unidentified.
Given this uncertainty, the ministry recommended adopting a cautious approach and issued an order temporarily banning fishing in the treated area and adjacent zones.
After several days of silence and inaction regarding this crisis, the Ministry of Environmental Protection issued a preliminary statement over the weekend, noting that the ongoing disruption to the operations of water desalination facilities poses a genuine challenge for the water sector.
The statement reads: This issue requires an examination of various solutions. The water authority has evaluated a material distribution strategy and submitted a request for approval to the discharge permit committee.
According to Maariv, the Hadera desalination plant is currently the only facility operating at full capacity; however, officials are concerned that the spread of algae could expand and move northward. This could lead to the shutdown of the last remaining desalination plant still operating at full capacity.