Residents and farmers in southern Israel are being urged to conserve water after a substantial algae bloom disrupted the operation of five out of six major desalination plants along the Mediterranean coast. The disruption has led to reduced water supplies, prompting authorities to request careful water use from residents and mandate a temporary halt to irrigation for farmers in affected regions.
The algae bloom, which has stretched up to 100 kilometers along the coast, has clogged filtration systems, forcing the desalination facilities to temporarily shut down or operate below normal capacity. Environmental experts have linked this phenomenon to increased marine pollution, primarily attributed to the discharge of untreated wastewater from Gaza.
Gaza’s wastewater treatment infrastructure has been severely damaged, leading to an estimated 45,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage flowing into the Mediterranean daily. Additionally, approximately 15,000 cubic meters of waste is seeping into groundwater through soakaway pits, exacerbating the region’s water and sanitation crisis. This situation has left many Palestinians reliant on water trucks, while contaminated water sources and damaged sewage networks increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
Environmental organizations warn that the ongoing marine pollution poses a threat not only to Israel’s desalination infrastructure but also to public health across the region. The deterioration of Gaza’s wastewater system is a critical concern, with Israeli environmental groups advocating for its restoration to manage untreated sewage effectively.
As the effects of the conflict extend beyond Gaza’s borders, the need for sustainable solutions to address marine pollution and infrastructure damage becomes increasingly urgent. Both communities along the Mediterranean coast may face further environmental and health challenges if the situation remains unresolved.