Popular beach in Israel closed for swimming: Ministry of Health issues urgent warning
Exceptionally abnormal test results received this morning led to an immediate swimming ban at Beit Yanai beach, amid concerns over pollution also discovered in many streams across the country.
The Ministry of Health issued a warning this morning (Thursday) against swimming at Beit Yanai beach in Emek Hefer, following the receipt of abnormal microbiological results found in water quality tests.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Health noted:
"The Ministry of Health is updating a swimming warning for Beit Yanai beach in Emek Hefer, following the receipt of abnormal microbiological results found in water quality tests. The ministry continues to monitor. Swimming is permitted only at declared beaches."
The announcement comes shortly after the Ministry of Health warned against swimming in several popular streams in Israel, following abnormal results obtained in water sampling conducted in the north of the country, where levels exceeded recommended values.
The tests were conducted on Tuesday, and in some streams, high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria were found. The recommended limit is 400 bacteria per 100 milliliters of water. Consequently, the ministry announced that entering several streams and water sites could be dangerous until normal and stable results are received in subsequent samplings.
In the Banias, near the Kfar Szold bridge, 700 bacteria were measured. In the Hasbani, at the stream confluence promenade, 730 were measured. In the Jordan River, abnormal results were obtained at several points, including 1,000 at the Yosef bridge, 600 at the Lehavot HaBashan bridge, 1,200 at the HaHamisha bridge, 650 at the HaPkak bridge, 800 at Mitzpe Ateret, and 850 at the Arik bridge.
Particularly high levels were also recorded at popular nature sites. In the Meshushim Pool, 3,100 bacteria were measured, while in Jilbon, 3,700 were measured. In the Zaki, 670 were measured, in Yehudia (near the waterfall), 840, and in Tzalmon (HaHaruv pool), 1,200.
Accordingly, the warning applies to the Banias at the Kfar Szold bridge, the Hasbani at the stream confluence promenade, the section of the Jordan between the Yosef bridge and the Arik bridge, the Meshushim Pool, the Jilbon, the Zaki, the Yehudia, and the HaHaruv pool in Tzalmon.
