As thousands of Israelis prepare for Bein Hazemanim trips, the Health Ministry and Environmental Protection Ministry have cautioned the public against entering water at seven streams and recreational sites in northern Israel following contamination tests.
Water samples collected on July 20, 2026, revealed bacterial levels exceeding Health Ministry safety standards at popular swimming and hiking destinations, suggesting potential health risks to visitors.
Testing identified elevated contamination at multiple locations along the Jordan River and its tributaries, including the Hasbani River Confluence Promenade, sites between Yosef Bridge and Arik Bridge on the Jordan, Hexagon Pool, Gilbon Stream's Devorah Waterfall, Zaki Stream, Tzalmon Stream's Charuv Pool, and Ein Hardalit on Kaziz Stream.
The ministries warned that entry to these sites poses danger until later testing confirms bacterial contamination has returned to acceptable and stable levels.