Environment · World
Algae bloom forces shutdown of most Israeli desalination plants
Five of Israel's six seawater desalination plants were taken offline in early 2024 after a massive micro‑algae bloom spread along the Mediterranean coast. The bloom, described by scientists as extending for miles, clogged intake pipes and reduced the plants' capacity to produce drinking water. Experts warned that untreated wastewater leaking from Gaza's damaged sewage system may be adding nutrients that fuel the algae growth. The shutdown left a large portion of the population reliant on alternative water supplies and raised concerns about a looming water shortage. Israeli authorities have begun assessing remediation measures, but no definitive solution has been announced.
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- Left (2): CNN, The Washington Post