Coming on the same day as a hot warning of an impending terrorist attack on Ben-Gurion Airport, the sudden contamination warning raised questions about whether sabotage may be responsible.

This morning, residents of many Dan region cities were allowed to drink their tap water again, but only after boiling it. Other communities were warned to avoid drinking tap water altogether, boiled or not, until further notice.

Shortly after 8 p.m. last night, warnings were issued on

"We are talking about water that is not fit for drinking." - Mekorot Chairman Uri Saguy

Israeli television and radio newscasts, telling residents of the Dan region, including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Givataim, Holon, Bat Yam and other locations, that there was a serious danger of contamination in the water supply. The Health Ministry issued the warnings after it examined the results of tests conducted by Mekorot, Israel's national water company. Tests showed a discoloration in the water, and possible remnants of ammonia. Residents were warned that boiling the water would not solve the contamination problem.

At a press conference this morning, Mekorot representatives said that the discoloration in the water had reached a level ten times higher than what could be safely allowed for drinking, and that ammonia levels were 20 times higher than allowed. Mekorot Chairman Uri Saguy said that there was no life-threatening danger in the water, but added, "We are talking about water that is not fit for drinking."

Dispelling rumors of sabotage or terrorism, Mekorot said that the source of the contamination was probably due to seepage of fertilizer into three wells between Rosh Ha'ayin and the Arab village of Tira. Mekorot assumes that agricultural ammonia (fertilizer) or industrial liquid ammonia made their way into the water supply at this location, where the highest indication of ammonia was detected.

"There is no information indicating that this was a terrorist action," said Brigadier General David Krause, the deputy commander of the Tel Aviv police.

In a separate incident, most likely unrelated to the water contamination scare, a 46-year-old Mekorot worker was found shot to death this morning at a pumping station near Lod. The motive for the killing of the man, who served as a security guard, is assumed to be criminal.

Residents empty shelves of mineral water
Last night, Mekorot diverted some 15,000 cubic meters of contaminated water to Nahal Sorek, where the water was flushed out of the national carrier system.

After the dramatic Health Ministry announcement, consumers descended on supermarkets and grocery stores and bought out entire stocks of mineral water. Israel Radio reported some cases of price gouging by storekeepers.

Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai called on residents to keep calm. "I suggest that all residents continue listening to the media, and the instructions that will be given. People must be calm. If there are small babies at home, buy mineral water."

Tel Aviv and other municipalities assured residents that they had emergency water reserves, which would be used if the crisis persisted.

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