Final Water Security Assessment for Lebanon Water Project

The study aims to assess the water security situation in Beirut-Mt. Lebanon, focusing on water availability, hydro-climatic variability, anthropogenic stressors, and water infrastructure. Beirut-Mt. Lebanon Water Establishment is one of the study areas, with a groundwater budget indicating a deficit of approximately 10 million cubic meters per year. Surface water availability is also a concern, with the Nahr Beirut River Basin, Nahr Damour River Basin, Awali River Basin, Nahr Ibrahim River Basin, and Nahr el Kalb River Basin experiencing varying levels of water scarcity. Trend analysis reveals hydro-climatic variability in the region, with total annual rainfall trends showing a decline of 10% over the past 30 years. Surface water level trends also indicate a decrease in water levels, particularly in the Awali River, Damour River, Beirut River, Kalb River, and Ibrahim River. Temperature trends show an increase of 1.5°C over the past 30 years, while groundwater levels have decreased by 2 meters. Anthropogenic stressors, such as population growth and urban areas growth, are also contributing to water scarcity in the region. The population is projected to increase by 30% by 2030, while urban areas are expected to expand by 25%. Water usage and demand per sector are also increasing, with a projected increase of 15% in domestic water demand by 2030. The water security assessment is based on a comprehensive analysis of household water security, environmental water security, economic water security, hazard and risk assessment, water infrastructure analysis, and water governance analysis. The assessment uses a dimension score to evaluate the water security situation in Beirut-Mt. Lebanon, with a score of 0-100 indicating the level of water security. The water security index for Beirut-Mt. Lebanon is calculated based on the dimension scores, with a score of 40 indicating a moderate level of water security. The assessment also provides projections for precipitation and temperature, population growth, and strategies and recommendations for improving water security in the region. Strategies for improving water security include increasing water efficiency, promoting water conservation, and enhancing water governance. Recommendations include implementing water-saving measures, increasing investment in water infrastructure, and strengthening water governance institutions.