Algae bloom disrupts Israeli desalination plants, raising water supply concerns

Several desalination plants along Israel’s Mediterranean coast have been shut down or are operating at reduced capacity because of unusually high seawater turbidity linked to a proliferation of microscopic algae, according to Israeli media reports.

Ynet reported that the algae bloom has affected most of Israel’s coastal desalination facilities, disrupting water production at a time of high summer demand.

According to preliminary assessments cited in the report, the algae may have originated near the Nile Delta before being carried by Mediterranean currents toward the Israeli coastline. The precise origin of the phenomenon has not been established.

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Desalination facilities provide approximately 70 percent of Israel’s water consumption, making prolonged disruptions potentially significant for the country’s water supply system.

Israeli authorities have increased pumping from the Sea of Galilee and groundwater wells to compensate for some of the reduction in desalinated water production.

Authorities said there was currently no acute shortage affecting the country’s overall domestic water supply. However, localized disruptions have been reported, while agricultural operations in southern Israel have been affected by reductions in irrigation water allocations.

Experts cited by Ynet warned that the water system could come under increasing pressure if desalination facilities remain offline or continue operating below normal capacity for an extended period.

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