Why is the Dead Sea so dirty?

Why is the Dead Sea so dirty? More than 8 million gallons of sewage from East Jerusalem is pumped downhill to the Dead Sea, raw and untreated, every day. That's not just a little icky for those of us who like to float in the lowest body of water on earth.



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It's actually nearly impossible to sink. Nevertheless, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's easy to swim in the Dead Sea. Contrary to many people's belief that the high salt content makes it a very safe place to swim, the Dead Sea has been found to be the 2nd most dangerous site to swim in Israel.

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The water is rich in salt and minerals, so it has a silky, thick consistency that will keep you afloat if you're swimming. But the buoyancy is not enough to walk on. You can, however, walk on large slabs of solid salt that form in the water, and along the shore.

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Fact: You can – and you should. Pads might not be the best option, since they'll absorb water till they're soaked, and could get weighed down or fall out. Plus, they might be visible through your bathing suit. On the other hand, tampons are convenient and safe to use in water.

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Flip flops and/or water shoes — while you can wear flip flops to a Dead Sea beach, as you get closer to the edge of the water, you'll find that there's lots of sharp rocks. You will also start to see some salt crystals as you get closer to the water, so make sure to change into water shoes once you get in.

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Don't stay in the Dead Sea longer than 10-15 minutes. The salt water irritates your skin, and after 15 minutes it can start to sting. Remember that the Dead Sea is about 10 times saltier than typical oceans and seas. On that note – Don't splash!

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Don't Splash or Dive The water is so salty that literally nothing can survive in it. That's why it's called the Dead Sea. So you want to be sure to avoid the water getting in your eyes or nose at all costs.

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Even a small cut can make you cry here. Tip 8: How Long Can You Swim In The Dead Sea? Don't stay in the water longer than 10-15 minutes. Because of the salts and minerals, your skin will get very soft and you can get cut on the crystals easily.

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Most people don't drown in it; they trip, fall and swallow the water. The water's high sodium concentration disrupts the body's sodium balance, especially the calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels, he continued. At the same time, it causes a pulmonary disorder, reminiscent of pneumonia.

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Entering the Dead Sea: Be extremely careful not to get the water in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. If you do, have a friend lead you to the fresh water showers commonplace at public beaches. Do not put your head underwater; floating on your back is preferable in order to avoid this.

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Top tips for taking a Dead Sea dip - Do not wear jewellery – almost everything except 24-carat gold will instantly tarnish (though it can be cleaned). - Wear flip-flops to protect your feet from the scorching sand (and, in some places, sharp stones).

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Whilst boats can easily float in the Dead Sea like a human body, the water's buoyancy makes it impossible for boats to effectively move through the lake.

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Scientists believe that the Dead Sea will never disappear entirely, but 2050 will be the tipping point when the Dead Sea will be so salty that the salt will block water from evaporating, leaving a small pool of slimy sludge.

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Swimming in the Dead Sea is an amazing and healthy experience, but there are some things you should know for your own safety: – Do not drink the water: a few gulps of it could cause irreversible damage or even kill you. – Don't get water into your eyes as it will burn.

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Don't Shave Before You Go and Be Extra Careful with Scrapes or Cuts. The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest places on earth. It's even saltier than you can probably imagine and as a result, it burns. Be prepared for any scrapes or cuts on your body to start stinging as soon as you touch the water.

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Do not shave before swimming in the Dead Sea. You might want to get bikini ready or get rid of that travel beard but think twice before doing so. The salt water will sting.

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