Brief
Israel faces weeks of water shortages after Gaza sewage discharge
The destruction of Gaza’s wastewater infrastructure has led to untreated sewage entering the sea, causing a toxic algae bloom that is crippling Israel’s desalination capacity.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Israel is facing weeks of water shortages after an algae bloom, triggered by untreated sewage from Gaza, clogged filters at five of its six main desalination plants. The bloom, stretching up to 60 miles (100 km) along the coast, has forced the plants to shut down for days and operate at reduced capacity. The sewage discharge, a result of Israeli attacks that destroyed much of Gaza’s wastewater infrastructure, has released nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that feed microalgae and cyanobacteria, intensifying the bloom. The crisis follows the destruction of 90 % of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure since 7 October 2023, according to Médecins Sans Frontières. Gaza’s water supply, previously largely drawn from a coastal aquifer, is now contaminated and unfit for consumption, leaving residents reliant on water trucks and facing a stark choice between drinking and hygiene.
Key facts
- Algae bloom clogged filters at five of Israel’s six main desalination plants (theguardian.com)
- The bloom stretched up to 60 miles (100 km) along the coast (theguardian.com)
- Israeli attacks destroyed 90 % of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure (theguardian.com)
- Gaza’s water supply is now contaminated and unfit for consumption (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Israel facing water shortages caused by destruction of Gaza’s treatment plants”
