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Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israeli Health Ministry issued urgent water safety advisories on Wednesday, warning citizens about abnormal bacterial levels in seawater at several central beaches and irregularities in drinking water quality in the northern region.
In an official statement, the ministry urged the public to refrain from swimming at multiple popular beaches, citing potential health risks due to elevated bacterial levels detected during routine water quality checks.
A separate advisory was also issued for Moshav Ramot near the Sea of Galilee, where residents were instructed to boil water for drinking and cooking purposes following abnormal test results.
Beaches Impacted by Bacterial Contamination
The affected beaches include some of the most frequented spots in central Israel: Gordon, Bograshov, Tzuk North, Tel Baruch North, Nordau, Geula, Givat Aliya, Nof Yam, HaSharon, Zebulun, and Arcadia.
The ministry advised citizens and visitors to avoid entering the water at these locations until further notice. Experts have attributed the abnormal bacterial levels to possible pollution or changes in environmental conditions, though investigations are ongoing.
“The decision to issue the advisory was made to prioritize public health,” the Health Ministry said in its statement. “We urge everyone to adhere to the guidelines to prevent potential health risks.”
Authorities are conducting further tests to pinpoint the source of contamination and determine when it will be safe to reopen the affected beaches.
Boil Advisory in Moshav Ramot
Simultaneously, residents of Moshav Ramot near the Sea of Galilee were advised to boil all drinking and cooking water as a precautionary measure. This directive followed water quality tests that revealed abnormalities, raising concerns about potential contamination.
The ministry clarified that water for hygiene and sanitation purposes, such as bathing and cleaning, could still be used without boiling. However, for consumption, a rolling boil for at least one minute is recommended to ensure safety.
Officials emphasized that the advisory is a preventive step and that there is no immediate indication of widespread contamination in the area. “We are closely monitoring the situation and investigating the root cause of the abnormal results,” the ministry said.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The advisories have prompted concern among citizens, particularly in coastal regions, where beaches are a major recreational attraction. Beachgoers expressed disappointment but acknowledged the importance of safety measures.
“I had plans to take my kids to the beach this weekend,” said Tel Aviv resident Maya Levi. “It’s frustrating, but I understand the need for caution.”
The Health Ministry has assured the public that updates will be provided as soon as additional testing is complete. Local municipalities have also increased efforts to inform residents and visitors about the advisories through signage and public announcements.
Preventive Measures
In light of these warnings, health officials are urging citizens to follow safety guidelines and stay informed about water quality updates. They also advise reporting any unusual changes in water color or smell to local authorities immediately.
The ministry’s proactive approach underscores the importance of regular water quality monitoring in safeguarding public health, particularly in densely populated and high-traffic areas.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members