This year, the Nature and Parks Authority reopened the historic waterworks complex in Yarkon National Park at the Tel Afek complex. Following extensive conservation, development, and accessibility work, the site, which had been closed for decades, has been transformed into an innovative visitor experience combining history, engineering, nature, and heritage.
The waterworks, established in the early 1930s, was built to address the severe water shortage in Jerusalem, which was growing rapidly during those years. The Yarkon springs were chosen as the water source due to their high quality and year-round abundance, with water piped from them through a pipeline system stretching approximately 62.5 kilometers to Jerusalem.
The plant included pumping facilities, settling pools, filtration and chlorination structures, a large underground water reservoir, and a pump house. Supported by three additional pump stations along the route to Jerusalem, the system successfully overcame the elevation differences and piped water to the city, a remarkable engineering achievement for its time. When it began operating in 1936, the plant revolutionized Jerusalem's water supply, marking the first time the city enjoyed a regular system of running water.
The highlight of the project is the opening of the underground water reservoir to the general public for the first time, after it was exposed and safely made accessible. Alongside this, a new walking trail was established between the plant structures, featuring audio displays that simulate the work of the laborers in three languages (Hebrew, Arabic, and English), water effects, unique signage designed from original water pipes, and an audiovisual presentation telling the story of the Yarkon, the impact of water pumping on the stream, and its restoration process over the years. The renewed complex joins the overall visitor experience at Yarkon National Park – Tel Afek, allowing visitors to encounter one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country's history, combining preservation, interactive content, and full accessibility.
According to Mor Wizel, manager of Yarkon National Park – Tel Afek at the Nature and Parks Authority: "The British waterworks joins the fascinating story of Tel Afek and integrates into the site's historical timeline, which spans from ancient times to modern eras. After many years, we have succeeded in reopening it to the public and offering visitors an extraordinary experience that allows them not only to learn about history, but to truly feel it. We invite the public to descend into the underground water reservoir and get a close-up look at the tight connection between humanity, water, and nature."
Good to know: On weekdays, entry to the audiovisual presentation requires prior registration through the Nature and Parks Authority website.