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📍 Qaraoun, Lebanon — July 16, 2025
Lebanon is facing a severe water crisis as Lake Qaraoun, the country’s largest reservoir on the Litani River, has dropped to historic lows amid what experts describe as Lebanon’s worst drought on record. The situation is jeopardizing agriculture, electricity generation, and domestic water access across the country.
💧 Record-Low Inflows and Pollution The Litani River National Authority reported that inflows during the 2025 wet season totaled just 45 million cubic meters, a dramatic decline from the 350 million cubic meter annual average. Last year’s inflow stood at 230 million cubic meters. Of the 61 million cubic meters currently in Lake Qaraoun, none is usable due to severe pollution.
🌡️ Climate and Groundwater Stress Officials attribute the crisis to declining rainfall, rising temperatures, and groundwater depletion. A recent study found that climate change and shifting weather patterns have intensified dry seasons and reduced soil moisture, further limiting groundwater recharge.
⚡ Hydropower Shutdown and Rationing Hydroelectric plants tied to the Litani basin have been shut down, causing financial losses and worsening electricity rationing. In some regions, state utility Electricité du Liban has reduced supply from 20 hours to just 10 hours per day.
🌾 Impact on Agriculture Farmers in the Bekaa Valley report unprecedented drought conditions. “We used to get snow up to a metre high. Now, it’s been 10 years since we’ve seen any,” said local farmer Safa Issa. Erratic electricity supply has also disrupted irrigation, forcing farmers to operate pumps intermittently.
📣 Government Response The Ministry of Energy and Water plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign within 10 days to encourage water conservation. Adviser Suzy Hoayek emphasized that managing demand is now critical to mitigating the crisis.
