Water scarcity in Lebanon has long been one of the major challenges in the country. Many Lebanese are forced to purchase water through private suppliers given the insufficient amount received through public sources. In fact, a report conducted in Lebanon by the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Mr. Jean Ziegler, indicated “shortages in potable water, especially in the South.” Furthermore, the report stated “an urgent need for clean drinking and washing water in villages.” Although these statements came following the 2006 war and the destruction of water networks, these problems prevail and have been further worsened.
In Tebnine, the spring of Ain El Mezrab is the only source of drinking water and it is polluted. Furthermore, water is mismanaged by allowing it to go to waste during the rainy season. As indicated in the report, the need for water was and still is a priority specifically in Tebnine, Aita Ech Chaab and Bint J’bail. Also according to the report, “in some areas, only bottled water is available and the price of water is becoming unaffordable. More than 100,000 residents of the above and other villages use the spring of Ain El Mezrab despite its current polluted condition. During the summer, residents do not find any water because none was saved from going to waste in winter.”
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