A man carrying empty water jugs on a street in Beirut. (Credit: AFP)
BEIRUT — The Litani River Authority called Tuesday on all subscribers and farmers in the Qasimiya-Ras al-Ain Irrigation Project in the Saida and Sour sections for cooperation to coordinate water distribution programs by regions amid the severe water scarcity due to the significant decrease in rainfall this year compared to previous years.
"In light of the severe water scarcity that Lebanon is currently experiencing, the water level in the Qasimiyeh-Ras al-Ain irrigation project has reached its lowest level. [This year's] precipitation deficit has led to a decline in water reserves and decreased spring and groundwater recharge. In addition, high temperatures have contributed to increased rates of evaporation and depletion of surface and underground water sources", the statement reads.
According to the Authority, "reports indicate that the water level of the Litani River has decreased by about 50% compared to last year, reflecting the seriousness and exceptionality of the current water situation."
"In the face of this reality, the Litani River Authority calls on all subscribers and farmers in the Qasimiya-Ras al-Ain Irrigation Project in the Saida and Sour sections to cooperate fully with the Authority's water distribution teams and the Union of South Lebanon Farmers and its affiliated committees to coordinate water distribution programs by regions. This is to ensure fairness and efficiency in delivering water to all subscribers in an optimal manner", the statement adds.
The Authority stressed the need to strictly adhere to the irrigation schedules and quantities specified for each subscriber, according to the established programs.
"It is also strictly forbidden to discharge or divert the remaining irrigation water to the sea or to the drainage outlets after irrigation is completed. Any surplus quantities must be utilized within agricultural lands and not wasted, in order to avoid wasting water in these critical circumstances", the Authority added in its statement.
It also appealed to all subscribers to minimize water waste and use it with maximum efficiency, to ensure that water reaches all subscribers and that all farmers benefit from the available quantities."
Lebanon experienced a particularly mild winter with little rainfall, affecting both agricultural regions and water supply in urban areas. At the end of January, the General Director of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Office, Jean Gebran, announced that the catastrophic rainfall rate this season and the scarcity of snowfall on the country's peaks might force the Lebanese to severely ration water this year.