Israel’s national water company, Mekorot, steers 80% of drinking water and runs the National Water Carrier. Today it faces algae blooms that disrupted desalination plants, worsening Gaza’s water crisis.
A large microalgae bloom has clogged intake systems at five of Israel’s six coastal desalination plants, forcing temporary shutdowns and reduced output. Scientists link the bloom to currents from the Nile Delta and warm sea temperatures; some experts say untreated sewage from Gaza has increased nutrient loads. Authorities have mobilised backup supplies and restricted agricultural use while plants recover.