A technical adjustment to the Kinneret Sea measurements allows for the sea to accept over ten more centimeters of height - and it couldn't have come at a better time.
The recent rainfall and ensuing runoff from the nearby mountains continues to enrich the Kinneret, Israel's largest reservoir, which now stands at 209.83 meters below sea level, its highest level in about a half-year. As the Kinneret approaches its optimum level, the National Water Commission (NWC) is preparing to open the Deganiah Dam in the southern part of the lake, so as to avoid flooding of homes in Tiberias and Ein Gev - even though this will mean the loss of precious water. However, with the new measurements, the NWC now has some ten more centimeters of height - representing over 170 million cubic meters of water - with which to play before it has to open the dam.
The "red line" has been measured - until today - at 208.9 meters below sea level, or less than a meter to go. The new level, however, has been set at 208.8 meters below sea level, leaving 1.03 meters before it reaches the top. NWC spokesman Uri Shor said that the dam would be opened when it becomes clear that the top level will be reached, based on predicted rainfall, runoff, and other factors. Asked if the escaping water can be diverted to other reservoirs or uses, he said that it is not economical to do so.
Israel's water situation in general, Shor said, "is serious, despite the rising Kinneret level. The consumption of water in the country exceeds water supply, and the supplies in the underground aquifers of the hills and the coast are still low... Desalination is a must."