The lower Jordan River is filled with raw sewage and contaminated agricultural runoff from neighbouring communities in Israel, the West Bank and Jordan.
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What remains of the once mighty Jordan is made up of waste water and the runoff from agricultural land. It is in this brown-colored cocktail of sewage and chemicals that pilgrims have been bathing.
The lower Jordan River is filled with raw sewage and contaminated agricultural runoff from neighbouring communities in Israel, the West Bank and Jordan.
While the headwaters are relatively unaffected, the Lower Jordan River consists primarily of untreated sewage and agricultural return flows, groundwater seepage, as well as brackish water from springs diverted into the river away from the Lake Tiberias area. The Lower Jordan River in particular is extremely polluted.
The source of the River Jordan, the Sea of Galilee is actually a freshwater lake. It was the setting for several of Jesus' miracles, including calming the storm and walking on water.
The Bible says Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. The river's eastern bank, modern-day Jordan, and its western one both house baptismal sites, where rituals of faith unfold, a reflection of the river's enduring religious, historical and cultural allure.
According to Mark 1:5, it states “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” From the Old to the New Testament, the Jordan River has been an incredibly significant place in Christianity.
The Israelites crossed the river during a flood stage. It is believed that at the time and taking into account historical measurements, the Jordan River was over 100 feet (30 meters) wide and more than 10 feet (3 meters) deep.
Jordan RiverHowever, despite its proximity, this water isn't heavily fished and provides great opportunities for catfish, bullhead, carp, white bass and walleye. It is an ideal spot for anyone who likes bait or lure fishing and would like to catch something besides trout.
Several natural and man-made hazards exist along the river, some of which have cost people their lives. It is important to scout out your route before attempting to paddle the river, and to know where and when to exit the river safely.