Israel’s Kinneret level drops by 10 cm amid desalination disruptions
In Israel, the water level in the Sea of Galilee, or Kinneret, fell by 10 centimeters over ten days — from 213.40 to 213.50 meters below sea level. During this time, the lake lost approximately 3.3 million cubic meters of water amid increased pumping into the national water supply system and seasonal evaporation, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Water level decline
A problem involving an algae bloom led to the shutdown of desalination facilities in the south of the country for nearly two weeks. To compensate for the reduced water supply, Israel’s water authorities increased withdrawals from the Kinneret and underground aquifers.
The current water level is the lowest recorded for September 9 since 2018. At the same time, eight years ago on this date, the Kinneret level was approximately 87 centimeters lower than it is now.
At this time of year, the lake’s level naturally declines by about one centimeter per day due to evaporation. According to the source’s estimate, the additional 2 centimeters of water loss since the beginning of the month are specifically linked to pumping required because of the crisis at desalination facilities.
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Role in water supply
Before large desalination plants were launched, the Kinneret was a regular source of water for Israel’s national network. After the development of desalination, dependence on the lake for drinking water supply practically ceased.
In recent years, the country has implemented the Reverse National Water Carrier project, under which desalinated water is directed to the Kinneret via the Tzalmon Stream. The system began operating over the past year.
This week, all six desalination plants resumed operations for the first time since the disruptions began in August. However, only the facility in Hadera is operating at full capacity, while the other five plants, according to YNet, are functioning at approximately 50% capacity. Once their operations are fully restored, water withdrawals from the Kinneret are expected to be reduced.
