Beit Zayit Reservoir — Attraction in Mate Yehuda Regional Council

The Beit Zayit Water Reservoir is an artificial water reservoir built in the 1950s in the Jerusalem hills for the purpose of storing rainwater for the underground water reservoir (aquifer) in the coastal area. In order to build the reservoir, a dam was built to prevent the water from flowing down the slope.

After the construction was completed and water was stored in the reservoir, the engineers discovered that the water was indeed seeping, but the wrong way. Instead of flowing to the reservoir in the coastal area, the water seeps into the springs in the Judean Desert in the east of Israel and does not accumulate properly.

Despite the engineering and hydrological failure, it was decided not to destroy the dam and the reservoir and to leave it as a tourist attraction.

This year, thanks to the blessing raining, we saw the reservoir fill to the very end and nature blossoms around it. During our visit we saw dogs swimming in the water, waterfowl who came to clean up and rest, children and families playing on the banks of the reservoir and cyclists who took the opportunity for an interesting trip.

קסום. המאגר מלא רק בחורף אבל מעניין לטיול גם בקיץ כשהוא יבש. סביב המאגר ישנם שבילים רחבים שניתן לטייל בהם ברגל, באופניים או ב-4×4. ניתן להגיע עם חיות. האזור מאוד מזמין לטיולים...

The water level is going down fast due to the summer of no rains. The water is not safe to swim, drink or touch. No utilities, bathrooms or picnic infrastructure. Dry season means lots of thorny seeds getting into socks, shoes, shirts. No straightforward access by car, and even harder by foot. Best way to get there is from Beit Zayit or Har Nof, and a thorough reviewof the maps with GPS is a must. The dam is fenced off and dangerous to approach. The banks are great for watching wildlife like water fowl, exotic birds, butterflies and beetles. Excellent location for...

There was no water when we went, maybe during other times of the year there is, not sure. We brought along some food for a picnic, it was incredible!! Park on the dirt path alongside the vineyard and then walk down into the reservoir. There's tons of wild flowers growing, the views are stunning, bike path alongside the reservoir, great place to bring...