On a morning tour on the way to diving, I encountered a weak flow of water from a pipe coming from under the Industrial Pioneers Road.
This drainage pipe is known for its strong flow during heavy rains. All this water flows into the sea, although it is runoff water, but certainly not spring water.
Runoff from a drainage pipe in Haifa's Pioneers of Industry area is creating a shallow pool full of algae, cyanobacteria and mosquito larvae, a phenomenon that could affect the water quality on the beaches of Kiryat Haim. Field documentation raises serious questions about the source of the water, its quality and the risk to public health.
Weak current in summer – and mosquito soup in a shallow pool ► Watch
The pipe, located under the Industrial Pioneers Road, is known for its heavy rain water flows in the winter. But in the summer, when the flow is weak, the water does not immediately disperse into the sea but accumulates in a shallow pool nearby. The pool became covered in green algae and cyanobacteria, and at night a "swarm" of mosquito larvae was observed inside, a phenomenon documented in macro photography.
The sight was so disturbing that we were prevented from entering the water for underwater photography for fear of the pollutants and bacteria found in the pool.
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Although this is runoff water, it may also include water from road washdowns, factory yards, or other industrial areas. The constant flow into the sea raises concerns that in southwesterly winds, the polluted water could reach the shores of Kiryat Haim, an active and popular bathing area.
Concerns about cyanobacteria and mosquitoes in coastal areas
The accumulation of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can pose a health hazard, especially when it spreads to nearby sea waters. In addition, the proliferation of mosquito larvae in the coastal area is a health hazard that can affect residents and visitors.
"Let's hope the disgusting nuisance is removed"
The incident raises the need for an urgent review of the parties responsible for drainage in the industrial area, to ensure that the water discharged into the sea does not pose an environmental or health hazard. "With all the troubles in Israel with algae, it is worth examining the issue closely. Let's hope that the disgusting hazard will be eliminated."
The Haifa Municipality responded:
This is groundwater that emerges in an area that is not a designated beach for swimming. It is not possible to completely prevent the flow of groundwater in the coastal area, but the municipality dealt with the hazard today (Thursday, 10/9/26) and removed the hill that blocked the flow of water and caused it to accumulate. It is not possible to completely prevent the flow of groundwater in the area, but the municipality is considering establishing a summer pool that will allow the water to be directed to the sewage system during the summer, in a way that will prevent the accumulation of unwanted leachate in the coastal area.
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Thanks to Moti for an important article!
This pipe is often polluted.
Years ago I used to come to this beach in the evenings, but not anymore.
What will they do when a residential neighborhood is built in place of giant fuel tanks?
Happy and healthy New Year to all of us!👍🍇🍎🍯🍏
Hello, Mother Earth.
Indeed, on rainy winter days the place is impossible, in short...there are no words.
Today the sea is clean except for the hazard of this pipe. In this case, we must deal with the puddle in the "stream" that flows into the sea.
The sea is already clean after the construction of the breakwaters of the Gulf Port...and we must address the hazard immediately.
Regarding the tank farms... it will take a lot of resources to decontaminate and clean the land of any fuel waste residues, if any, and it is a long process but a good start.
Thank you and Happy New Year.