Winter rains raised Kinneret level
Winter rains raised Kinneret levelPhoto: Hana Levi Julian

Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) is continuing to rise in what is being seen as the most bountiful rainy season in a decade. 

In the past week, the lake rose by 10.5 centimeters (4.13 inches), bringing the level of the country’s largest single source of drinking water up to 210 meters (689 feet) and 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) below sea level.

More rain is predicted for Sunday night, and again later in the week, which Israelis hope will raise the level of the lake even higher.

Last week the lake hit a milestone, as the surface rose to 210 meters and 90.5 centimeters below sea level – reaching the point that is exactly halfway between the two “red lines.”

The lower line marks the point at which it becomes dangerous to draw drinking water from the lake.

The upper line marks the point at which authorities must open the Degania Dam to keep the lake from cresting.

Water Authority officials – and the rest of the country – are hoping the rainy season continues to see steady rainfall that will keep the lake’s waters rising until mid-May.

The past ten years have been excessively dry, causing the country’s officials to impose bans on watering gardens and other drought-related rationing measures in order to conserve water.