Lebanon’s water paradox: Taps run dry while water 'flows away'

Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian 

Water is the basis of everything in life. Lebanon is known for being rich in water — at least that’s what we learned in school. If we measure it on paper, Lebanon has the highest amount of renewable water compared to its area among Arab countries. 

That means if we divide the amount of water falling each year per square kilometer, our country outperforms others with giant rivers like Sudan and Iraq.

But when we look at reality, the numbers start to "dry up." The water exists, but not always in the tap. While you can drink tap water in most European countries, the water reaching homes in Lebanon barely passes for bathing. 

In summer, most of Lebanon’s population relies on water tank trucks coming and going, yet there is still no steady supply.

This is not a complaint; it is a description of reality. The reality shows the problem is not a lack of water but poor management.

In fact, Lebanon receives around 800 millimeters of rainfall annually, which is about 8.2 billion cubic meters of water. Out of this, only 2.7 billion cubic meters are actually renewed and remain available for use.

On the other hand, 950 million cubic meters are lost every year from surface and groundwater, plus 385 million flow from springs directly into the sea. But this loss flowing to the sea is part of a natural cycle — one that Lebanon could invest in properly. 

One fact remains constant: water is available in sufficient and even abundant amounts. But today, there are two main challenges: first, climate change; second, we don’t know how to store it, distribute it fairly, or invest it wisely. 

Along with pollution and waste, Lebanon loses this "blessing" every year and keeps drowning in the same crisis.