Drinking water supply in Israel is based on the pumping of underground water, springs, surface water (primarily Lake Kinneret) and desalinated sea water.
There are approximately 1,000 water sources in Israel, most are from underground water.
To prevent morbidity and to guarantee that the supplied water are indeed drinkable, a supervision and monitoring array was established for microbial, chemical and physical tests in the water sources and the supply network.
Water sampling are performed according to regulations and relate to the following substances:
- Groups of substances from natural sources: micro-organisms and algae that are naturally found in the environment or chemical substances found in rock layers and which are naturally dissolved in the water;
- Substances penetrating the water from non natural sources: micro-organisms stemming from human and animal contamination and chemical substances used by man for industry and agriculture and which might contaminate surface water sources and penetrate underground water, as well as byproducts of water decontamination and various substances used in the water treatment process.
A water source that does not meet the regulations’ requirements, is disapproved for use as drinking water. In certain instances, the water will be approved for drinking only after they undergo proper treatment at treatment plants.
