Two weeks ago, the public learned something extraordinary — and deeply disturbing. The National Public Health Laboratory has stopped performing essential drinking-water tests because it has run out of money. In an internal letter sent by its director, Dr. Noa Taiman Yarden, the laboratory warned that due to a severe shortage of basic supplies and lack of an allocated operating budget, it can no longer perform tests for PFAS, chlorite, and perchlorate, all hazardous contaminants linked to cancer, thyroid disease, reproductive disorders, and impaired cognitive development in children.
Worse still: beginning in early 2026, the laboratory will also stop routine microbiological and chemical testing — the backbone of Israel’s drinking water supervision system. Tests conducted during water-quality emergencies will be attempted only “to the extent possible,” depending on what equipment remains functional.
This means something almost unthinkable: for the first time in decades, Israel’s water may not be monitored for dangerous pollutants. Wells that should be closed may remain open. Contamination that should be caught early may go undetected. And millions of Israelis could be exposed, without warning, to substances that science shows can cause long-lasting and irreversible harm.
Adam Teva V’Din demands that authorities rectify the situation without delay
On behalf of the public, Adam Teva V’Din has sent an urgent legal demand to the Ministry of Health and the Water Authority, requiring them to immediately restore the water testing program and allocate the necessary budget. Both authorities are legally responsible for ensuring the sanitary quality of drinking water under the Public Health Ordinance and the Water Law. A situation in which the state cannot carry out basic water-quality monitoring is not only irresponsible and it is unlawful. PFAS contamination alone demonstrates the stakes. In recent years, the Ministry of Health has repeatedly ordered the closure of water wells after abnormally high levels of PFAS were detected. Without testing, similar wells may continue to pump contaminated water straight into households, schools, and hospitals.
Amit Bracha, executive director of Adam Teva V’Din points out that the organization has worked for years to ensure the safety of drinking water, including a High Court of Justice petition against the Environmental Protection Ministry to accelerate adoption of a regulatory framework for reducing PFAS pollution, in line with Israel’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutant. Learn more about our PFAS legal interventions.
“Israelis deserve better than government systems that collapse from lack of funding. Safe drinking water is not optional. It is not a luxury. It is the most fundamental public health protection the state is obligated to provide.”
Adam Teva V’Din is now assessing further steps, including court action, should the government fail to act by December 1 2025 on the funding for water testing by the National Public Health Laboratory.
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