Groundwater-based water provision of Greater Beirut Area : policy opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Water shortage in Lebanon is perceived as a reality to tackle with engineering solutions, while the major problem is a matter of management, along a futile regulatory framework. Accordingly, this research aims at delving in the potential alternative of a groundwater-based supply in the Greater Beirut Area, in contrast to national strategies promoting dams and other white elephant alternatives. This thesis focuses on a study area comprising of the governorates of Beirut and Mount Lebanon including the districts of Aaley, Baabda, Beirut, Chouf, Jbeil, Keserwan and Metn and on a served area being the Greater Beirut Area. The thesis uses qualitative and quantitative methods to verify whether the proposed alternative is feasible. Data was collected or derived from available literature; interviews along with a Geographic Information System platform to support the study. Based on the analysis of existing wells, springs and water demand in the study area, existing groundwater resources are able to cover the needs of the Greater Beirut Area. Results showed that the water demand ranges between 89.7 and 224.3 MCM in 2020 and decreases to between 85.2 and 213.1 MCM in 2035 for a demand ranging between 100 and 250 L-day-capita. In contrast, the Greater Beirut Water Supply Augmentation Project bets on a population growth and an increase in water demand between 2010 and 2035 to showcase the need for large infrastructure projects and to promote proposed dams.