The Mekorot water company shut down its main pipeline to central Israel and the Negev Sunday because the water level in the Sea of Galilee is at a near record low. It is the first time the pipeline was closed since its completion more than 30 years ago.
The Sea of Galilee, Israel’s main reservoir, is short about a half billion cubic meters of water due to several years of sub-normal rainfall, the national water company said. The surface level is more than 10 feet lower than average and large stretches of lake bed are visible.
Mekorot said it hoped to resume pumping after the winter rainy season. Meanwhile, it will provide minimum water supplies to farmers and drinking water from local wells.
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