This week’s Health Ministry alert in northern Israel, which resulted in the closure of a number of popular nachals (springs) due to the fear of Leptospirosis, appears to have led to difficulties for the Mei Eden water company.
Mei Eden has difficulty supplying water to its customers in the last few days, as a result of pollution discovered in the spring from which the company draws water. At the height of the summer, many customers report that Mei Eden is having difficulty supplying them with water and is providing a variety of excuses and solutions, but Mei Eden officials deny that there is pollution at the company’s springs.
The pollution was discovered in the Salukia Spring in the Golan Heights from which the company derives its water. Many customers who have recently turned to the customer service center to order water were met with a negative response and a variety of creative solutions. One customer received a call from a representative of the company in which the representative explained to the customer that they ran out of the size water bottles he regularly receives at home.
The representative suggested to the customer that instead of the water he is accustomed to receiving in 11-liter bottles, they can send him a package of 24 small bottles of water. After he refused, the representative warned that he might not receive water by the end of the month.
At this stage, there is no proof that the pollution in the spring is related to Leptospirosis that is now prevalent in northern areas; in rivers and springs, but apparently the pollution is due to the same reason. The depletion of water sources due to the severe drought in recent years in Israel contributes significantly to the increase in pollution.
Following the incident with the above-mentioned customer, Mei Eden responded: “Following the customer’s request, we examined the details of the case. The customer was given incorrect information by the customer representative. There is currently sufficient water in stock to supply customers, including to small bottles of water. Following your inquiry and after a call and coordination with the customer, we provided him with small bottles to his full satisfaction. Sometimes, and especially during the summer months, there are cases where demand for mineral water exceeds the supply available to the company. In these exceptional cases, the company informs its customers and coordinates with them a partial water supply and completes what is required after a few days.”
Later in the day on Wednesday, 4 Elul, Mei Edin issued another statement:
The water company Mei Eden responded Wednesday to claims that it does not supply water due to pollution found in the springs, and noted that “Mei Eden performs sample testing of its spring water from the of the Salukia twice a day, and tests the production process on an hourly basis. “The plant continues its routine work and fills the bottles and the water from the water storage tanks at the Mei Eden plant in Katzrin.”
The head of the Golan Heights Regional Council, Eli Malka, released the following message on Wednesday, 4 Elul. “The Ministry of Health, the Water Authority and the Israel Nature & National Parks Protection Authority are committed to undertaking a comprehensive and immediate operation in order to investigate and locate the source of pollution in the streams in the north, and we will work to eradicate it and allow safe swimming. Anyone who has planned his vacation in the north of the country is invited to come to dozens of sites and attractions that do not include water and enjoy a variety of hiking trails in the beautiful landscapes of the north.”
Five teenagers were admitted to Mayanei HaYeshua Hospital in Bnei Brak this week, apparently having contracted Leptospirosis. One, 17, was in serious condition and transferred to a Petach Tikvah hospital ICU, and B’chasdei Hashem, after his condition improved, was moved to a regular pediatric unit.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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One Response
Why is it that in Israel one often get the feeling that there is no value attached to telling the truth? No one is suggesting that Mei Eden has deliberately polluted the springs. Explain the steps being taken to responsibly deal with the problem instead of spinning yarns about small bottles!