Rehovot Scientists Say Israel Water is Contaminated

Israeli Water May be Tainted with Pharmaceuticals

By Amihai Zippor

According to a Haaretz report, researchers from Jerusalem’s Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University who are studying irrigation water in Israel found traces of pharmaceuticals in it.

“I found a variety of drugs and I am sure that further testing will reveal more types of pharmaceuticals,” said Dr. Benny Chefetz of Hebrew University's Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot

“We have not tested groundwater, but we have found that some of these medications are not held back by soil but move through it rapidly. I have almost no doubt that some could get into the drinking water,” Chefetz said.

A recent study in the US found dozens of American cities have pharmaceuticals in their drinking water.

If such a situation is found in Israel, it could be extremely problematic since the country is so small and already suffering a water crisis.

A week and a half ago, officials from Israel Water Authority warned the low amount of rain over the past ten years may cause Lake Kinneret, Israel's main water source, to go below the red line.

If that occurs, the salt content will rise to levels unsafe for drinking; and tapping into other already depleted resources could do harm to the underground aquifers.

Source: Amihai Zippor. IHC News Analysis (30 March 2008) [FullText]