The Dead Sea, a remarkable salt lake nestled between Israel and Jordan, has long captured the fascination of visitors and scientists alike. My first encounter with this natural wonder occurred in 1979, when I visited the Ein Gedi Spa. There, I floated effortlessly in its saline waters, which are ten times saltier than the Atlantic Ocean, while being 1,338 feet below sea level—the lowest point on Earth.

Fast forward to last November, my excitement about returning to the spa quickly turned to concern. While the spa remains operational, accessing the water required a bumpy ride on a trolley over a mile of sand and rocks. The Dead Sea’s vibrant blue waters, although still buoyant, have diminished significantly, leading to a loss of tranquility. The shoreline has receded, and vast underground cavities are now filled with solid salt deposits. These deposits can create sinkholes that pose serious dangers, potentially engulfing people and structures. Experts warn that without intervention, the Dead Sea could be reduced to a small puddle by 2055.

For over a century, there have been aspirations to connect the Dead Sea with either the Mediterranean or Red Sea, primarily to harness hydroelectric power. Recently, the idea of linking it to the Red Sea has gained traction, viewed as a way to replenish the declining water levels of the Dead Sea.

However, some researchers argue that this merger could be detrimental. Marine geologist Michael Lazar from the University of Haifa expressed skepticism about the concept of “saving” the Dead Sea, noting that water levels have fluctuated throughout geological history due to natural cycles. He poses a critical question: “What does saving the Dead Sea really mean?”

The cultural and religious significance of the Dead Sea is immense, attracting pilgrims for centuries. Its shoreline supports a thriving tourism industry, but the very efforts to preserve it may be contributing to its decline. Climate change accounts for a minor portion of the water loss; the primary issue stems from excessive water extraction. The Jordan River, the Dead Sea’s main tributary, has been heavily exploited by Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria for drinking water and irrigation, leading to two-thirds of the annual water loss. Additionally, mineral extraction companies in both Jordan and Israel further deplete its waters.

The merger was largely a fantasy until 1994, when Israel and Jordan signed a treaty to collaborate on the shrinking Dead Sea. Central to this plan was a massive $800 million pipeline designed to transport water over 110 miles and 1,000 feet downhill. This project aimed not only to halt the Dead Sea’s decline but also included a hydroelectric plant to desalinate water for both countries and provide water to stabilize the Dead Sea’s shore. Officials dubbed it a “Peace Conduit,” intended to promote cooperation and goodwill.

Despite the potential benefits, numerous concerns were raised. Critics warned that the introduction of red algae from the Red Sea could lead to toxic blooms, transforming the Dead Sea’s color. Additionally, there were fears that mixing the two bodies of water could result in gypsum formation, turning the Dead Sea’s waters cloudy. Leaks from the pipeline in an earthquake-prone area could also contaminate fresh groundwater supplies.

In response to these concerns, the World Bank was commissioned to assess the risks. Their $16.5 million study, completed in January 2013, confirmed that the proposed project could threaten groundwater and alter the Dead Sea’s color. Furthermore, the cost of the project ballooned to an estimated $10 billion, ten times the original projection, as additional infrastructure would be required to transport water uphill to Amman.

In December 2013, the three governments revised their strategy to include a water swap: a desalination plant at the Gulf of Aqaba would provide 80 million cubic meters of potable water annually, benefiting cities in Jordan and Israel. In return, Israel would supply water from the Sea of Galilee to Jordan and the Palestinians. “This pipeline will enhance political stability and positively impact the peace process,” stated Alexander McPhail of the World Bank.

However, the revised plan still incorporates a conduit for transporting briny water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, which environmentalists vehemently oppose. Amman-based Munqeth Mehyar, director of Friends of the Earth Middle East, argues that even a small amount of additional water could disrupt the delicate ecosystem.

Research from the 1990s revealed that freshwater springs were entering the Dead Sea, creating a hidden merger that scientists had not fully understood. Initially believed to be devoid of life, the Dead Sea has recently been found to host a microbial ecosystem. Marine microbiologist Danny Ionescu discovered new life forms during his research, revealing a thriving community of microorganisms existing in the extreme conditions of the lake.

Ionescu's explorations included descending into the depths of the Dead Sea, where he observed unique salt formations and vibrant biofilms. He identified new species capable of withstanding salinity fluctuations, raising concerns about how the introduction of Red Sea water might affect these organisms and the overall health of the Dead Sea.

Lazar remains unconvinced that the Dead Sea is in as dire a situation as many claim. His ongoing research into sediment cores shows that the sea has previously withstood significant climate changes. He believes that a natural equilibrium may eventually be reached, questioning the notion of “saving” the Dead Sea.

As regional water needs continue to grow, it appears that human activities are outpacing natural processes. Lazar and Mehyar advocate for restoring the Jordan River’s flow and regulating water extraction from the Dead Sea to protect its unique environment. Innovative water recycling technologies could also play a role in ensuring a sustainable water supply without resorting to the proposed merger.

Ultimately, the interplay between scientific insights and political will will determine the future of the Dead Sea, a historic and ecologically significant body of water.

This story was originally published on Nautilus on June 4, 2015.