(haipo) – The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection have issued a warning to the public following unusual results found in water sampling in various streams in the north of the country. Tests conducted on June 22, 2026 found high concentrations of bacteria. Fecal coliform, above the Ministry of Health's recommended level of 400 bacteria per 100 ml of water.
The data indicates significant contamination in water sources that are particularly popular with travelers during the summer season. Among the sites where abnormalities were found: Banias, Hatzbani, various sections of the Jordan River, the Pool of the Six-Stones, Nahal Jilbon, Zaki, Yehudiya, and Nahal Zalmon.
Notable sampling results
- Banias – Kfar Szold Bridge: 550
- Hatzbani – Garden of the North: 680 River Confluence Promenade: 2,500
- Jordan – Joseph Bridge: 1,100 The Flames of Bashan Bridge: 1,900 The Five Bridges: 1,050 Cork Bridge: 420 On behalf of the petitioner: 470 Eric Bridge: 440
- Hexagonal Pool: 1,800
- Jilbon – Deborah Waterfall: 620
- Zachi: 470
- Jewish: 430
- Tzalomon – The Flour Mill: 1,100
Warning to travelers: Avoid entering the water
Following the findings, the Ministries of Health and Environmental Protection announce that Entry into the following rivers and sites may be dangerous. Until normal and stable results are obtained. The main concern is about intestinal diseases and infections caused by exposure to bacteria originating from fecal contamination.
No known source of contamination – sampling will continue
Despite the exceptions, the Ministry of Environmental Protection notes that No known source of infection found. In the streams. Sampling is routinely carried out once every two weeks by inspectors from the Nature and Parks Authority, at fixed points that represent central sections of the northern streams.
Both ministries emphasize that they continue to closely monitor and will update the public and local authorities according to developments.