Quality monitoring for Marjeyoun potable water

Abstract

There is a rising level of concern about water quality and its monitoring system in Marjeyoun. Published literature on the perceived level of risks to water quality in Marjeyoun and South Lebanon is scare.The current studyaddressedthe quality monitoring system of Marjeyoun potable water and challenges. The purpose of the study is to(1) review the structure and services of water testing facilities in Marjeyoun; (2) identify water-testing challenges hindering the water quality monitoring process, and (3)explorethe perceived level of risks to Marjeyoun potable water resources.The study usedqualitative and quantitative means of data collectionand statistical analysis. Site visits to the Taybeh Laboratory in South Lebanon Water Establishment and American University of Beirut (AUB)aimed to review the range of microbial, physical, and chemical tests against LIBNOR Standard for drinking water.Field trips and interviews identified nine sources of pollution thathave the potential to influence the quality of the main drinking water resources of Marjeyoun.A structured mobile phone survey assessed the current use of Marjeyoun drinking water resources and the perceived level of riskof these pollutants among Marjeyoun residents. A total of 150 residents in Marjeyoun self-assessed the risk severity and the probability of risk using a 5-points scale. Both scales had good reliability.Bivariate analysis showed statistically significant relation of the perceived total risk score from hospital, refugee camp, animal farms, military bases, air pollution, waste water treatment plant (WWTP), and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) camp with participants’ use of Marjeyoun drinking water resources. Agricultural activities including pesticides and fertilizers and olive oil extraction facilities did not show such a significant relation.Logistic regression showed that the refugee camps and wastewater treatment plant were the main predictors of Marjeyoun residents to refuse drinking from its water resources.The municipality’s responsibility in the potable water sector is restricted to pollution management. This role is of great importance because of the numerous actions that can be taken on the local level to improve the quality of potable water in Marjeyoun; such as proper disposal of solid and sewage water waste, encouraging farmers to use nature-friendly fertilizers, reducing the use of pesticides, and many other measures.