Israel is grappling with a significant reduction in water supplies after a massive algae bloom affected operations at five out of the country’s six major desalination plants along the Mediterranean coast. The bloom, which extends up to 100 kilometers, has clogged filtration systems, forcing temporary shutdowns and reducing desalination capacity in southern Israel.
The ongoing marine pollution has been linked to the discharge of untreated wastewater from Gaza, where infrastructure damage has resulted in untreated sewage flowing into the Mediterranean. This influx of nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, is believed to contribute to the algae growth, exacerbating the situation for Israel’s water systems.
Authorities have urged Israeli residents to conserve water, and farmers in affected regions have been instructed to halt irrigation temporarily. Meanwhile, the water and sanitation crisis in Gaza is severe, with all five of its wastewater treatment plants out of service. This has led to approximately 45,000 cubic meters of raw sewage entering the sea daily, with an additional 15,000 cubic meters seeping into groundwater.
The environmental impact extends beyond Gaza, with warnings that continued pollution could pose further risks to Israel’s desalination infrastructure and public health. Contaminated water sources and damaged sewage networks in Gaza have heightened the risk of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea and skin infections, among the local population.
Israeli environmental organizations are calling for the restoration of Gaza’s wastewater management systems to prevent ongoing pollution and its broader consequences for both Gaza and Israel. They emphasize the need for proper sewage management to safeguard the Mediterranean environment and community health.