Desalination Solves Israel’s Water Shortage but Leads to Magnesium Deficiency Risks – The Media Line
Desalination Solves Israel’s Water Shortage but Leads to Magnesium Deficiency Risks The Media Line
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Israel’s Reliance on Desalinated Water Raises Health Concerns
Introduction
Israel has successfully addressed its water crisis by relying on desalinated water. However, this solution has led to health risks, particularly magnesium deficiency, which raises concerns about public health and potential costs.
Desalination Efforts in Israel
Israel has built seven desalination plants, some of which are the largest in the world. Currently, 75% of Israel’s drinking water comes from desalination, and there are plans to increase this to 90% in the future. This transition to desalinated water was a strategic decision to overcome the threat of drought caused by climate change and the country’s growing water demand.
Magnesium Deficiency and Health Risks
A recent study by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel has found that the reliance on desalinated water has led to magnesium deficiency in the public. This deficiency poses a serious health problem, increasing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and ischemic stroke. These health issues have significant implications for the healthcare system and the economy.
The Importance of Magnesium
“Basically, you need magnesium to live. It is vital to around 600 different metabolic processes in the body and critical to the metabolism of the cell, making it especially important in everything to do with transporting nutrients from the bloodstream to the cells and regulation of insulin.”
Magnesium is a critical mineral for human beings, contributing to the proper function of many organs. It plays a crucial role in glucose and insulin regulation, which is essential for energy production and managing blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Prevalence in Israel
Israel ranks sixth in the prevalence of diabetes among adults, with almost 10% diagnosed with the disease. It is believed that many more cases are undiagnosed. The high healthcare expenditure on diabetes highlights the importance of reducing its prevalence.
Impact on Diet and Agriculture
Desalinated water lacks magnesium, which not only affects drinking water but also agricultural produce. The decrease in magnesium intake from water, combined with a deteriorating diet and increased consumption of processed foods, further contributes to magnesium deficiency in the population.
Addressing the Issue
The Israeli Health Ministry plans to add magnesium back into the desalinated water to mitigate the health risks. However, there have been delays in implementing this solution due to cost concerns. Other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, have successfully added magnesium back to their desalinated water, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue in Israel.
Conclusion
The reliance on desalinated water in Israel has solved the water crisis but has led to magnesium deficiency and associated health risks. Addressing this issue is crucial for public health and the overall well-being of the population. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), highlight the importance of ensuring access to safe and nutritious drinking water for all.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Specific Targets Under the SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Prevalence of type 2 diabetes
- Number of cases of ischemic stroke
- Percentage of drinking water desalinated from the Mediterranean Sea
- Percentage of water supply, including for industry and agriculture, that is desalinated
- Percentage of magnesium intake from water
- Prevalence of diabetes amongst adults
- Percentage of national health expenditure spent on the care of diabetes
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | – Prevalence of type 2 diabetes – Number of cases of ischemic stroke |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. |
– Percentage of drinking water desalinated from the Mediterranean Sea – Percentage of water supply, including for industry and agriculture, that is desalinated – Percentage of magnesium intake from water |
Analysis:
The article addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Under SDG 3, the specific target identified is SDG 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being. The article highlights the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes and ischemic stroke due to magnesium deficiency caused by desalinated water consumption.
Under SDG 6, the specific targets identified are SDG 6.1 and SDG 6.3. SDG 6.1 aims to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, while SDG 6.3 focuses on improving water quality. The article discusses the reliance on desalinated water in Israel, with around 75% of drinking water being desalinated from the Mediterranean Sea. The article also mentions the lack of magnesium in desalinated water and the potential impact on public health.
The indicators mentioned or implied in the article include the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the number of cases of ischemic stroke, the percentage of drinking water desalinated from the Mediterranean Sea, the percentage of water supply that is desalinated, and the percentage of magnesium intake from water. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Source: themedialine.org
