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Springs are points where groundwater flow to the surface. Since a large portion of Israel is dry or even arid, springs are the basis for various damp habitats that support an abundance of plant and animal species, and therefore important ecological focal points. Most springs occur from rainwater seeping through layers of soil and rocks, filtering and accumulating minerals, and flowing out to the surface. Provided that the water does not encounter polluting agents in the process, water quality in springs tends to be high. Historically, springs were the main sources of water for drinking and agriculture, and therefore were the anchoring points for settlements which developed irrigated agriculture and farmed livestock. In order to improve water usage, aqueducts, channels, tunnels and pools were dug, quarried and built, many of which we can see to this day. In modern times, urban construction and development led to surface coverage and prevention of water seepage. On top of that, over-pumping of groundwater lowered their levels, all resulting in dwindling of springs' flows and to the drying up of a portion of them. When the State of Israel was established in 1948, many springs were seized and their waters rerouted partially or in full for irrigation purposes. Other springs have become a resort attraction. All combined, this led to a sharp decrease in the amount of water available to natural habitats. Since the development of an extensive array of desalination plants and the infrastructure to supply drinking water through the national system to areas that relied on local sources before, the Nature and Parks Authority and the Water Authority have been working toward the purpose of releasing springs, reinstating natural flows, and the rehabilitation of damp habitats that were affected by the previous policies. Ein Akev - This is a Contact Spring, the most common spring type in Israel. The water seep through rock layers until reaching an impervious layer, and then flow along it until finding an outlet. The spring is located in the desert Akev Stream, a tributary of the Tsin Stream. The water flows from the spring through an impressive 10 meters high waterfall, and into a deep pool. The pool holds water throughout the year in spite of the intense evaporation. The spring is an oasis, with an abundance of aquatic vegetation such as maidenhair fern, common reeds and spiny rush, and a high appeal for wildlife. To all philatelic items issued on December 2023
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