Authorities on Saturday banned bathing at beaches near the Alexander River estuary after a routine inspection revealed its waters had been dangerously contaminated.

Water samples taken from three beaches at Beit Yanai, Michmoret and Neurim contained over five times the allowed maximum of bacteria, Ministry of Health official Ze'ev Fish said.

Ministry officials are investigating whether the pollutants had also originated from the nearby Hadera River.

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They added further water quality examinations will be held on Sunday to determine whether the beaches are still unsafe for public health.

Meanwhile, Tel Aviv's Gordon and Frishman beaches were reopened Friday after being shut last week due to a sewage spillage from an unknown source.