In the Jordan, the Banias, the Hasbani and more: Health Ministry finds unusual contamination in northern streams

The Health Ministry and the Environmental Protection Ministry announced unusual bacterial sampling results in northern streams, taken on August 16-17. Fecal coliform concentrations were found to be far above the recommended level (up to 400 per 100 ml) in the Banias, Hasbani, Jordan, Meshushim Pool, Gilbon, Zaki, Yehudiya, Zalmmon, and Kziv. The ministries warn against entering the streams until results are normal. The source of contamination has not been found.

The Health Ministry and the Environmental Protection Ministry announced today (Tuesday) unusual results from bacterial tests in streams in northern Israel. The samples were taken on Sunday and Monday, August 16-17, 2026, and showed fecal coliform concentrations far exceeding the recommended level of up to 400 bacteria per 100 ml of water. Among the streams with unusual results: Banias (670), Hasbani (up to 2,300), Jordan (up to 1,900), Meshushim Pool (3,400), Gilbon (1,500), Zaki (940), Yehudiya (3,000), Zalmmon (2,900), and Kziv (up to 1,300). In light of the results, the Health Ministry states that entering these streams may be dangerous until sampling results are normal and stable. The Environmental Protection Ministry has not found a known source of contamination in the streams. In routine, sampling is done on a sample basis every two weeks by Nature and Parks Authority inspectors at fixed points. The ministries continue sampling and monitoring and will update as needed.