WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT

Domestic Waste Water Management

Domestic wastewater management is one of the greatest headaches of Lebanese municipalities and concerned ministries (Energy and Water, Interior and Municipalities, CDR). As indicated in Section 1.3 on population pressures, Lebanon generates an estimated 249 Mm3 of wastewater per year, with a total BOD load of 99,960 tonnes. In addition, and as described in Section 3.2.5 on solid and liquid wastes, industries generate an estimated 43 Mm3 of wastewater per year.1 In the absence of waste surveys and industrial production statistics, it is difficult to estimate the composition and BOD load of industrial wastewater. It has been reported that the total BOD load of industrial wastewater is about 5,000 tonnes per year (METAP/Tebodin, 1998).

Wastewater Collection, Treatment and Disposal

Wastewater management is expensive! It requires adequate collection and treatment of wastewater, and disposal of treated effluent and sludge. To date, while significant improvements are being made to the sewer network, little has been achieved in terms of wastewater treatment. Nevertheless, several wastewater treatment plants are expected to become operational over the coming years.