To monitor pollution in the Yarkon Basin, an advanced infrastructure will be installed to monitor pollution levels, improve flood forecasting, and assist in measuring the river’s rehabilitation processes.
The new infrastructure is based on a successful pilot carried out in cooperation with a research team from Ben Gurion University of the Negev, led by Prof. Shay Arnon.
The Yarkon River Authority announced it would be launching a large-scale initiative to establish an innovative monitoring network along the Yarkon River.
The system will enable real-time identification of pollution and hazards and will create an advanced scientific foundation for the river’s long-term rehabilitation.
As part of the pilot, a continuous monitoring station was installed in the Kiryat Atidim area of Tel Aviv, incorporating some of the world’s most advanced sensors.
Researchers were able to detect several previously unreported pollution incidents during the pilot, through a sharp drop in dissolved oxygen levels.
Vast network of advanced stations along the river
The new monitoring system will include a vast network of advanced stations along the river and at sensitive points throughout the drainage basin, including tributary inlets, sewage overflow locations, and failure-prone sites.
The system will provide real-time data on physical, chemical, and biological parameters and will enable immediate alerts about hazards.
Beyond its alert capabilities, the research team has also developed algorithms to measure the health status of the river, allowing a deeper understanding of the condition of the ecological system.
Chairman of the Yarkon River Authority and Mayor of Tel Aviv Jaffa Ron Huldai said, “The advanced monitoring system we are establishing in the Yarkon is not just a technological project, it is a statement of intent. We are committed to a clean, healthy, and safe river for the residents of the greater Tel Aviv area and for future generations. For the first time in Israel, we will be able to identify pollution in real time and act immediately to prevent harm to nature and the public. This is a significant step toward turning the Yarkon into a continuous green artery that connects cities, people, and nature.”
Yarkon River Authority CEO Ilan Rosenblum said, “The new system represents a profound change in how we protect the Yarkon. For the first time, we will be able to detect pollution in real time, understand its source, and act immediately to prevent harm to the river and the public. This is a central step in strengthening the achievements of the Yarkon’s rehabilitation in recent years.”