Overview
- A vast microalgae bloom along Israel’s Mediterranean coast fouled intake water and forced most coastal desalination plants offline this week, reducing treated seawater output across the system.
- The government stabilized household and farm supplies by running some desalination units at reduced capacity, releasing extra water from the Sea of Galilee, and activating hundreds of groundwater wells and national reserves.
- Scientists say the bloom likely began in the Nile Delta and moved north with currents, and they cite a rare mix of factors — a recent sea storm, unusually warm coastal water, and nutrient inputs — as drivers under ongoing investigation.
- Authorities sprayed a BlueGreen Technologies product offshore to curb the algae and the Health Ministry ordered a temporary fishing ban in the treated area while officials monitor environmental and public‑health effects.
- Experts warn warmer seas, stronger storms and coastal pollution could make large blooms more common, underscoring the risks of heavy reliance on centralized coastal desalination and the need to bolster water-system resilience.