Mekorot Water Company Ltd.

Mekorot, the national water company of Israel, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s water economy for the past 87 years. Our journey stands as a testament to the unique Israeli spirit, characterized by sophistication, daring, pioneering, and innovation. These values have guided us in addressing the complex challenges of managing water resources in a desert-edge country.

Planning & Designing Israel’s Water Map From Pre-State Times

Mekorot’s journey began in the 1930s as a small water company with a grand vision: to establish a national water plant in the Land of Israel. We made our mark in the northern localities by setting up the first plant for drinking water and agriculture. A significant milestone was the completion of the National Water Carrier (“Hamovil Ha’artzi”) in the 1960s. This colossal water plant supplied water from the Sea of Galilee in the north to desert settlements in the arid Negev, spanning approximately 130 km. In the face of numerous challenges, Mekorot continued to innovate, introducing smart solutions such as wastewater processing plants and pioneering desalination plants. This resilience and commitment to innovation is a testament to our determination and should inspire you.

Among the Best & Most Efficient Water Companies in the World

Mekorot’s position as one of the world’s leading water companies is not just a title but a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Over the years, professional delegations from around the world have visited us to learn from and replicate our achievements, a clear sign of our global recognition. This recognition has not only elevated Mekorot but also played a significant role in establishing Israel’s status as a waterpower among OECD countries. In May 2022, GWI, the umbrella organization of the world’s water companies, announced that Mekorot would join the forum of the world’s sixty leading water companies. Two years earlier, the Israeli water sector was ranked fourth in the world in GWI’s global ranking, and it was determined that Mekorot is one of the best companies in the world in terms of operating efficiency, thanks to its low annual water depreciation, which is about 4% (compared to an average of 15% in developed countries), in addition to its excellence regarding infrastructure, research, professional knowledge, and water resources management.

Water Supply & Services to About 10 Million Consumers

Mekorot supplies over 1.7 billion cubic meters of water to homes, agricultural fields, & industrial plants throughout Israel. The company provides water and services to the private and public sectors in Israel, to the Palestinian Authority, and the Kingdom of Jordan through political agreements. Mekorot operates about 13,000 km of pipelines, 3,000 production & supply facilities, 1,200 drillings, 1,000 water reservoirs & pools, and 20 desalination facilities. The company has accumulated investments of NIS 1.5-2 billion per year and a three-year development plan.

Financial Stability

Since 2003, Mekorot has consistently maintained the highest financial strength rating (ilAAA) by the international rating company Maalot Standard & Poor’s. In 2019, Mekorot further solidified its financial stability by listing at the TASE after raising its first capital in the company’s history through the issuance of tradable bonds. To date, Mekorot has raised over NIS 5 billion while maintaining its high credit rating, a testament to our financial prudence and stability.

Integrated Water Solutions

The company provides an integrated package of water solutions, thanks to its expertise in a wide range of areas, including advanced models for water management and operation, the optimal combination of different water types, seawater and water desalination, wastewater processing, and water recycling for agricultural uses, improving water resources to the proper quality, security of water sources, etc.

Innovation & Digitization

Mekorot uses advanced technologies such as IT & OT & through them, implements comprehensive digital transformation processes in favor of a fast, efficient, & secure flow of professional business information beyond paperless online work, & protection against cyber & other attacks on critical infrastructures like information infrastructure.

Mekorot for Future Generations

Mekorot pursues a sustainable development policy, conserving water resources & the environment for future generations. Since 2014, Mekorot has been participating in the “Ma’ale Ranking,” which ranks companies in the Israeli economy according to socio-environmental performance based on criteria of sustainability & corporate responsibility. In 2021, 2022 & 2023, the company was ranked in the highest-ranking “Platinum +”. Moreover, the company voluntarily reports greenhouse gas emissions to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, including its carbon footprint measurement, as part of the analysis regarding its overall environmental impact. At the end of 2021, the company published its ESG report while maintaining strict compliance with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Concurrently, Mekorot launched a huge project of covering its water reservoirs with floating photovoltaic systems.

Mekorot as International Ambassador

Mekorot is Israel’s main water supplier, conducting and supplying about 65% of the Israeli consumption, and is responsible for 77% of the households’ consumption. In recent years, the company expanded its scope of activity & is a major water supplier to the Gaza Strip, Judea, & Samaria. The “Abraham Agreements” signing opened a new business horizon, & the company intends to exhaust its proven capabilities worldwide. In March 2021, Mekorot became the first government company in the infrastructure field operating in the Persian Gulf, signing a development contract with the Kingdom of Bahrain. In September 2021, the company completed the doubling of the water supply to the Kingdom of Jordan, & in April 2022 signed an agreement for the development of the water economy in Azerbaijan. Since then, Mekorot has signed many agreements, including France, Singapore, Morocco, Argentina, and Chile, and recently started a new initiative in Italy.

Mekorot Management

Yitzhak Aharonovich, Chairman of the Board since 2021. Aharonovich, a veteran public figure who served as a Member of the Knesset & Minister of Internal Security, Minister of Tourism, Member of the Security-Political Cabinet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of IMI, CEO of the public transportation company “Dan”; Deputy Chief of Police; Southern District Commander; Commander of the Judea & Samaria District and Commander of the Border Police. He holds a B.A. in General History from the University of Haifa.
Amit Lang, CEO since 2022. Previously, he served as Managing Director of the Ministry of Economy; CEO of Shaham (a subsidiary of Mekorot, which also serves as the company’s executive contractor); Director of the Economics Division & VP of Partner Communications; Deputy Commissioner for Budgets in the Ministry of Finance; Head of Transportation - Budget Division in the Ministry of Finance; Head of Interior & Environment - Budget Division, Ministry of Finance; Interior & Environment Referent - Budget Division, Ministry of Finance. Lang holds an M.B.A. in Business Administration from the College of Management, an M.A. degree in Economics & Public Policy from Tel Aviv University, and a BA in Economics & Management from Tel Aviv-Yafo College. He is a former judoka and a member of the Israeli delegation to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.