The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia says Lebanon could see serious water shortages by 2025 if waste and inefficient management are not curbed. Lebanon has 2.85 billion cubic meters of water, about one-fourth of which is in underground reserves. In 2000, the country used 1.14 billion cubic meters, mostly on agriculture, and demand is expected to rise to 4 billion cubic meters by 2025, leaving a shortfall of over 1 billion cubic meters, a UN official said. Much of the water is wasted or contaminated through pesticide use and industrial pollution. The problem is compounded by overly inexpensive fees for the water, something the commission is now trying to change. "Only 40 percent of Lebanese pay for their water, and the income is not enough to cover operation and maintenance costs," the UN official said.

Source: UN Wire, 29 Jul 2002