Summer, Beaches, Pollution

Murky Waters: These are the Most Polluted Beaches in Israel

Ministry report highlights rising beach pollution levels across Israel

Israelis on the beach in Tel Aviv on a hot summer day on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Flash90)

Planning a beach escape from the heat? Think twice before diving in. A new Ministry of Health report highlights a four-year peak in fecal bacteria found in the Mediterranean Sea.

High Pollution Levels Detected

The Ministry of Health's latest report indicates a significant increase in fecal bacteria levels on Mediterranean beaches, posing potential health risks like gastrointestinal and skin problems. Out of over 7,800 water samples taken this year, 4.1% tested positive for fecal enterococci and 3.2% for fecal coliform bacteria.

Pollution Hotspots and Clean Zones

The Quiet Beach in Haifa recorded the highest abnormal levels of fecal enterococci at 14.9%. Rishon Lezion's beaches topped for abnormal enterococci readings, while Hadera showed the lowest presence. Tel Aviv beaches were most polluted by fecal coliform bacteria compared to Hadera, Netanya, and Rishon Lezion, which reported none.

Causes of Water Pollution

Sources of water pollution include Gaza sewage discharge, stormwater runoff due to urban density, local sewage flow, and occasional oil spills.

Expert Insights

Amir Yitzhaki, head of the Ministry of Health's National Environmental Health Department, commented: "The report reflects our ongoing efforts and aims to assess the current situation compared to previous years. Detection of these bacteria indicates a source of fecal contamination in the water, though not all beachgoers exposed will necessarily fall ill."

Mori Galboa, CEO of Zalul Environmental Association, emphasized issues with illegal infrastructure connections contributing to widespread contamination across the country.

*Ynet contributes to this report.

Summer Sewage

Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.
The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.


Tourism in Israel, Gaza war, Civilian Evacuees

Billions of shekels - the heavy toll the war has taken on Israel's tourist industry
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 10.10.24

Seminary girls rescued, Wadi kelt hiking incident

During a hike: Dozens of seminary girls rescued from Wadi Kelt
2
| Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 17.09.24

Travel, European countries, Summer holiday

Top 5 amazing summer destinations with almost no tourists
Eliana Fleming | 11.07.24

Israel-Gaza War, Airlines, Amsterdam

Transavia announces it has canceled all Amsterdam-Tel Aviv in both directions
Gila Isaacson | 23.06.24

Drowning, Summer, Beach, Tragedy 

Tragedy in Tel Aviv: Teen Dies After Drowning at the Charles Clore Beach
Gila Isaacson | 18.06.24