The new system will be the central transport infrastructure for the capital region and is expected to meet the needs of the residents until 2060; The construction cost – NIS 2.5 billion
Mekorot company completed yesterday (Monday) the fifth water transmission system to Jerusalem. The cost of the project was about 2.5 billion dollars and its construction lasted six years. The new system will be the central water transport infrastructure for the Jerusalem area and is expected to meet the needs of the residents in the area until 2060.
In order to complete the project, a 13 km long tunnel was cut in the Jerusalem mountains, where the diameter of the pipe that will carry the water is about 3 meters. At its peak, the new system will be able to produce the amount of water equal to 75% of the total desalinated water in Israel (450 million cubic meters). Built by Mekorot and its subsidiary Shaham.
The Israeli water market is largely based on desalination facilities and is considered one of the most advanced in the world. Relying on desalinated water allows Israel a secure water supply and reduces dependence on water sources that can dry up, as is currently the case with the major rivers in Europe. In addition, the depreciation of water, that is, the proportion of water that is lost during the transport of water from the source to the consumer, stands at a few percent in Israel, compared to over 20% in other European countries.
During the activation of the system, Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Energy Minister Karin Elharer, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon, heads of local councils from the Jerusalem area and Mekorot company executives were present.