The Water Authority has begun testing for PFAS “forever chemicals” at several sites slated for construction as new monitoring shows contamination far more widespread than previously known.
Recent tests detected concentrations up to 10,000 times the drinking water standard, which sets a limit of 0.1 micrograms of PFAS per liter, in the Kishon River, Dalia Stream, Ayalon River, Gamaliel Stream and Barkai Stream, as well as in waterways near the Tel Nof, Hatzor and Ramat David air force bases.
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Tests found PFAS concentrations in the Kishon River of up to 10,000 times the accepted drinking water standard
(Photo: Yossi Sorojun, Kishon River Authority)
The findings come less than two weeks after the Environmental Protection Ministry and the Israel Land Authority (ILA) reported PFAS contamination at the Sde Dov site in Tel Aviv, where the chemicals — commonly linked to years of firefighting foam use — were discovered.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are highly persistent compounds that accumulate in the human body and environment. Epidemiological studies have associated exposure with developmental defects in fetuses, including immune system damage and low birth weight, as well as increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers, elevated cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease and reduced fertility.
According to information provided to ynet and its parent newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth by the Water Authority, recent surveys assessing the extent of contamination in water sources have expanded to include surface runoff (streams) from sites with high pollution potential.
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PFAS compounds (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), originating from years of firefighting foam use, were discovered at Sde Dov
(Photo: Ryan Frois)
Findings from tests conducted in recent months around fuel facilities and air force bases indicate that PFAS-contaminated surface runoff is draining into streams, degrading water quality and potentially seeping into groundwater, thereby disqualifying downstream production wells.
High concentrations of contaminants
In recent weeks, three wells in the Zichron Yaakov area in northern Israel were shut down due to contamination. The source is believed to be polluted runoff from the Hagit power station.
A similar phenomenon was observed downstream from the Tel Nof and Hatzor air force bases. Surface runoff testing originating from airports was also conducted in the areas of Ben Gurion Airport and Machanayim, as well as at the Ramat David, Ramon and Hatzerim air force bases. PFAS compounds at varying concentrations were found in all samples, though testing at these sites has not yet been completed.
At the Pi Glilot complex in Ramat Hasharon, a site slated for development, high concentrations of PFAS compounds also were detected. The data were transferred to the Environmental Protection Ministry, which is preparing to conduct a comprehensive soil investigation. In light of the risk to regional water sources, groundwater remediation at the site is required.
At Air Force Base 27, currently being evacuated and transferred to Israel Aerospace Industries, unusually high PFAS concentrations were found—up to two orders of magnitude above the maximum drinking water standard. The findings were sent to the Environmental Protection Ministry for review. Testing is also underway at the Sirkin base, another site designated for development, with results pending.
Preliminary results at Herzliya Airport indicated the presence of PFAS compounds in monitoring wells as early as 2020, though the information is only partial. Additional testing will be conducted as part of an expanded investigation following the airport’s evacuation.
PFAS testing was also carried out at the following sites: Ramat Hasharon Industrial Complex, Magen Industrial Complex, Beit Hakerem Industrial Complex, Givon Industrial Complex, Tirat Carmel Industrial Complex, Nof Yam Industrial Complex and Tel Hashomer. No deviations from the drinking water standard were found at these locations, or were minimal. Future testing is scheduled be conducted at other sites with potential contamination, including areas slated for redevelopment.
Beyond construction sites, extensive testing was conducted at additional industrial hotspots, including fuel facilities (tank farms, refineries and power stations), showing high concentrations of PFAS compounds in groundwater.
The Water Authority said it is participating in an inter-ministerial professional team to share information and advance regulation on the issue. “Information on every site where elevated concentrations are discovered is routinely transferred to the Health Ministry and the Environmental Protection Ministry,” the authority said.
The findings have also been presented to relevant bodies, including Fire and Rescue Services, the Defense Ministry and the IDF, the Energy Institute and the Manufacturers Association.