Recent heatwave causes Sea of Galilee water level to drop dramatically
After a record-breaking heatwave in Israel last week, the water level in the Sea of Galilee decreased to 212.595 meters (almost 18 feet) below sea level.
According to a Ynet News report, the water level was just “40.5 centimeters (16 inches) above the critical red line” as of Sunday.
Israel Water Authority official Firas Talhami noted that “the Sea of Galilee lost several centimeters since the heatwave began, with evaporation rates rising by tens of percent compared to typical summer days.”
“Data from the Kinneret Authority shows the level was 220 centimeters (86 inches) lower than on August 17, 2024,” Ynet reported. “In 2017 and 2018, however, levels fell below the red line.”
Regarding the heatwave’s effect on the Sea of Galilee, Talhami said, “In a normal summer month, the level drops 30 to 35 centimeters (12 to 14 inches),” and that he believes the red line will be reached “within six weeks.”
“We’ll continue managing the water supply professionally and cautiously to ensure stable access for all consumers,” he said, adding that the Water Authority has “minimized pumping from the lake” due to the current situation.
As The Times of Israel has reported, pumping when the water level is below the lower red line (213 meters below sea level) “risks damaging the ecosystem.”
To deal with the fluctuating water levels due to heatwaves and droughts, Israel’s national water company, Mekorot, built a pipe system to carry fresh water from desalination plants by the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee.
Known as the National Carrier Flow Reversal Project, the pipe system became operational in 2023, making Israel the first nation to pump desalinated water into a natural lake.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
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