BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Israel’s Ancient Springs Under Threat

Bible and archaeology news

The natural fresh-water springs in the Judean hill country, which have supported agriculture and herding in this region for thousands of years, are increasingly under threat from drought and pollution, according to a new report released by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. In a survey of 67 springs located between Jerusalem and Beth Shemesh, the parks authority found that only two-thirds of the springs had flowing water and, of those, at least a third had water quality that was graded fair or poor. The report cites Israel’s prolonged drought as the primary reason for the limited water flow, but also states that increased construction activities and runoff from fertilizer and sewage are responsible for the significant decrease in water quality.

The natural fresh-water springs in the Judean hill country, which have supported agriculture and herding in this region for thousands of years, are increasingly under threat from drought and pollution, according to a new report released by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.