Towards a sustainable groundwater development in Lebanon

Groundwater contributes a significant component of the total water presently demanded in Lebanon. During the last few years, the government has been under great pressure to meet the normal increase in demand resulting from population growth and social changes in newly developed urban agglomerations. This is leading to the overexploitation of the groundwater resources. Moreover, the Ministry of Hydraulics has lost its technical expertise responsible for solving these problems. A proposed framework of activities is being studied to minimize the exploitation of this natural resource, and its consequences on the environment and sustainable development.