Five of Israel’s Six Major Desalination Plants Shut Down as Seawater Turns Turbid

Five of Israel’s six major Mediterranean desalination plants stopped producing water after unusual weather drove seawater turbidity above operating thresholds. Ashkelon and Ashdod shut on Saturday, followed by Palmachim and the two Sorek facilities on Sunday, leaving only Hadera operating among the six major plants. Mekorot reinforced supply through Lake Kinneret pumping and groundwater wells, while household drinking water was prioritized over agriculture and landscaping. The Water Authority said facilities would restart when water clarity allowed; Ramat Negev temporarily halted agricultural irrigation and Eshkol instructed farmers and landscapers to cut potable-water use.