Infographic: Tackling Water Scarcity and Sanitation Challenges Across the Middle East

Initial assessments identified water scarcity and sanitation challenges as primary concerns. The region has less than 2% of the world's renewable water supply, making it the driest region globally. Implementation focused on improving access to clean water and sanitation. USAID expanded the East Jerash Wastewater Treatment Plant, increasing its capacity to serve up to 119,000 people. The plant's expansion will provide services for an extended period. USAID also improved the water bills collection rate at the Bekasa Water Establishment from 33% to 33%. USAID provided improved access to clean water for over 1 million people. The organization drilled or rehabilitated 17 wells, constructed or rehabilitated 45 water reservoirs, and installed approximately 900 kilometers of water pipelines. USAID connected approximately 140,000 people to running water in their homes for the first time. The Sumaya and Jaber pump stations, serving 238,000 residents in the north, were rehabilitated by USAID. USAID built three wastewater treatment plants serving over 20,000 people in eight municipalities and one demonstration wetland that treated 20% of the Litani River water flow. The retaining walls of a community's water reservoir were rehabilitated to protect against contamination of the water supply. USAID also provided information to 336 heads of households on sanitation and hygiene best practices. Since 2000, USAID invested over $300 million on water and wastewater projects. The organization piloted a Short Message Service (SMS) based service that sends irrigation advice directly to Moroccan farmers' cell phones to optimize their use of agricultural water. USAID rehabilitated three pump stations in the south of Lebanon, improving regular supply to 125,000 people. Over 500,000 people benefited from improved water quality and availability.