According to the Yale Environment 360 magazine, the level of the sea has fallen by 1.3 meters on average per year. Between 1993 and 2009 this was at average of 1.15 meters per year. This is a shockingly high level considering the size of this sea. Minimal rainfall and malpractice are only expected to intensify the decline in the sea level. The main source of water into the sea is the Jordan River, and the abuse of this source is the major reason that is damaging the Dead Sea. Diverting water away from the river for use in Jordan and Israel means that the flow into the sea has become minimal. Apart from this river there is not an alternative source of water that feeds the Dead Sea.

Another main factor is the continuous mining of minerals from the Dead Sea for the production of cosmetics and fertilizers. Industrial companies actually pump out water in order to facilitate the extraction of minerals. On the Israeli side, the overexploitation of these resources is also coupled with restricting Palestinian access to the shores and other natural resources, while keeping it open to settlers who directly profit from the Dead Sea and add to the exploitation.

One of the proposed solutions for this problem is diverting water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, what is known as the Red-Dead plan. This would entail creating a network of pipes and tunnels that would transport water from the Red Sea into the Dead Sea. But the unique composition of the latter does not make this a feasible option. Initial studies have shown that mixing seawater would pose a number of risks. In the first instance mixing these types of water in large amounts would damage the growth of microorganisms. Changing the chemical composition of the Dead Sea – a site known for just that – beats the point of a rehabilitation project. This project may fix water levels, but it would take away all the benefits that the sea has provided.

The Red-Dead is also not feasible because it would entail a very large budget for a massive undertaking that would not even solve the source of the problem. The system that feeds the Dead Sea, along with extraction practices, is what needs to be addressed. Managing the resources of the Jordan River, on both Jordanian and Israeli sides, is vital for the preservation of this water system. Unfortunately this may be too late. The low levels of water have already resulted in a large number of sinkholes in the area. On the other hand, both Israeli and Jordanian governments need to limit the works of industrial companies. These companies, though not the sole cause of the problem, gravely add to it. The controllable factors to this problem are the ones caused by human hand; diverting the Jordan River, and extracting products from the Dead Sea. Limiting these alone could have a significant impact on the extent of the decline of water levels.