Key facts
- Israel is facing weeks of water shortages after an algae bloom crippled its desalination capacity.
- Scientists say the algae bloom was triggered by the destruction of Gaza's wastewater infrastructure, causing a massive discharge of untreated sewage.
- 90% of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed since October 7, 2023, according to Médecins Sans Frontières.
- All five of Gaza's wastewater treatment plants are out of service, releasing an estimated 45,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage into the Mediterranean daily.
- The algae bloom stretched up to 60 miles (100km) long and clogged filters at five of Israel's six main desalination plants.
- Israeli authorities are urging citizens to use water judiciously, and farmers have been instructed to halt irrigation.
Israel is grappling with significant water shortages after an extensive algae bloom disrupted its desalination capabilities, a crisis scientists link to the destruction of Gaza's wastewater treatment infrastructure. The untreated sewage discharged from Gaza into the Mediterranean Sea is believed to have fueled the bloom, which has clogged filters at five of Israel's six major desalination plants.
According to Médecins Sans Frontières, 90% of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed since October 7, 2023, due to Israeli bombardment. This has led to all five of Gaza's wastewater treatment plants being non-operational, resulting in an estimated 45,000 cubic meters of raw sewage flowing into the sea daily. This pollution not only affects Gaza's residents, leading to severe public health issues like diarrhea and skin rashes, but also poses a direct threat to Israel's water supply.
Experts like Jack Gilron, a desalination expert at Ben-Gurion University, have highlighted the increased risks to Israel's water production infrastructure along the coast. The algae bloom, stretching up to 100 kilometers, forced the shutdown of desalination plants for days, and they are now operating at a reduced capacity. This situation has prompted Israeli authorities to urge water conservation and instruct farmers to halt irrigation, with economists predicting a rise in food prices.
Environmental groups such as Zalul Environmental Association and EcoPeace Middle East have called for the restoration of Gaza's sewage system, emphasizing that pollution does not respect borders. The consequences of the conflict's environmental impact are now evident, with potential for disease outbreaks to spread beyond Gaza's borders.