Water Security Analysis for North Lebanon Water Establishment

The project's objectives included identifying potential sanitation projects and assessing the water availability in the region. The study area focused on the North Lebanon Water Establishment, which is responsible for managing the region's water resources. North Lebanon's water availability is characterized by a combination of groundwater and surface water sources. The region's groundwater budget is influenced by the El Kabir, El Ostouene, El Bared, Abou Ali, El Jaouz, and Araqua rivers. The study analyzed the trend of total annual rainfall, total annual rainy days, surface water levels, and groundwater levels. The results showed a decline in total annual rainfall and an increase in total annual rainy days over the past few decades. The study also examined the impact of anthropogenic stressors on the region's water security. The population growth in North Lebanon has led to an increase in urban areas, resulting in higher water demand. The water usage and demand per sector were analyzed, revealing a significant increase in domestic and industrial water usage. The study's synthesis highlighted the need for a comprehensive water security assessment to address the region's water challenges. The water security assessment was conducted using a multi-dimensional approach, incorporating household, environmental, economic, hazard and risk, water infrastructure, and water governance analyses. The study used a conceptual framework to assess the dimension scores of each indicator, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's water security. The results of the water security index for the North Lebanon region showed a moderate level of water security, with areas of improvement needed in the environmental and economic dimensions. The study's projections indicated a continued increase in population and precipitation variability in the region. To address these challenges, the study recommended mainstreaming climate change into the region's water management policies. The conclusion emphasized the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the region's water security challenges, involving stakeholders from various sectors and levels of government.