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1.Although annual precipitation is estimated at around 8,600 million m3, water availability remains a national critical issue due to the high demand for water, the large losses in the public water distribution networks and the high level of water pollution
2.Due to anthropogenic interferences, climate change and over-pumping (increasing number of illegal private wells), there has been a decline in the discharge from Lebanon’s 14 rivers, originally 2800 million m3, by more than 60% annually
3.The water distribution network is currently responsible for 40% of losses
4.Irrigation uses 61% of resources, while modern drip irrigation is adopted only at 50%
5.More than 50% of water resources face physiochemical and biological contamination. Surface and groundwater resources are being polluted due to the uncontrolled disposal of liquid and solid wastes (i.e. industrial, municipal and agronomical wastes)
6.Only 8% of water is treated reused.
7.Urbanization has largely outpaced the capacity of the government to efficiently manage wastewater, creating extremely polluted water bodies. It is estimated that up to 90% of all wastewater is discharged untreated directly into rivers, lakes, or the sea, causing major environmental degradation and health risks. Approximately 70% of all fresh water sources were exposed to untreated sewage from various homes and business premises. This has led to a significant microbial contamination of the water
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