Water Balance Report: Litani River Basin Management Support Program

The report was prepared by International Resources Group (IRG) under Contract EPP-I-00-04-00024-00 order no 7. The Litani River Basin is a significant water resource in Lebanon, supporting agriculture, industry, and domestic uses. The report focuses on the water balance of the basin, examining the various components that affect the water cycle. The water balance is a critical aspect of water management, as it determines the availability of water for different uses. The report begins by defining key terms and assumptions, including the water cycle, water balance components, and equations. The water cycle is described as the continuous process of water movement between the Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land. The water balance components include atmospheric balance, surface balance, and groundwater balance. The report also discusses water use and consumption, weather variability, and change. The study area is the Upper Litani River Basin, which is a critical component of the Litani River Basin. The report examines the data availability and component analysis, including precipitation, evaporation, surface flows, groundwater, irrigation water uses, and domestic and industrial water uses. The data sources and estimations are also discussed, highlighting the challenges and limitations of data availability. The report presents past and current water balances, including natural water balance, past water balances, and current water balance. The current water balance is examined in detail, including annual and seasonal water balances. The report also discusses trends in water use, including drinking and industrial water needs, irrigation water, and climate change. The report highlights the importance of water management in the Litani River Basin, particularly in the face of climate change. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the water balance, identifying key challenges and opportunities for water management. The findings of the report are critical for informing water management decisions and policies in the region. The report concludes by highlighting the need for continued monitoring and analysis of the water balance in the Litani River Basin. The report provides a foundation for future water management efforts, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making and collaborative management of the basin's water resources. The report includes several tables and figures, which provide additional information on the water balance and its components. The tables and figures are used to illustrate key findings and trends, providing a visual representation of the data. Overall, the Litani River Basin Management Support Program Water Balance Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the water balance in the Litani River Basin. The report highlights the importance of water management in the region and provides a foundation for future water management efforts.