Greater Tel Aviv Area Riddled with Serious Groundwater Pollution

A recently completed research study indicates that the problem of serious groundwater contamination is widespread throughout the greater Tel Aviv region and covers huge areas of Gush Dan, with several contamination sites.

Six years ago, when the Tel Aviv Water Authority discovered serious contamination on the site of the former Israel Military Industries factory Magen, it thought the problem was contained.

A long-term study, conducted in conjunction with researchers from Ben-Gurion University and the Agricultural Research Organization of Israel, revealed that poisonous gases and groundwater have reached the surface. The research found 156 contamination sources, including metals plants, four IMI facilities, glue factories, drugmakers, electronics plants and dry cleaners.

As a result of the contamination, several wells in the Gush Dan area were closed after they were found to contain high concentrations of contaminants such as chrome or the solvent trichloroethylene.