The waters of the Sea of Galilee are safe to swim in, the Water Ministry confirmed on Monday, despite the bright red color the water has developed.
The appearance of red spots in the sea is the result of the green algae Botryococcus braunii.
How does a green algae turn the water red?
The algae have bloomed in previous years during the seasons when swimmers are eager to take the waters.
The red color develops as a result of the accumulation of a natural pigment produced by the algae in response to strong sunlight exposure, the ministry reassured.
The pigment is non-toxic, and professional tests at the Sea of Galilee have confirmed that swimmers should not worry over the red water.
The ministry added that no allergic reactions have been recorded in the past.
The Water Authority continues to monitor and track the water quality and the ecosystem in the lake on an ongoing basis, to ensure all uses of the Sea of Galilee, Israel's national lake.