Understanding water, understanding health: the case of Bebnine

El-Fadel, M., Nuwayhid, I., Habib, R., Harakeh, S., Kabakian, V., Bou Fakher Aldeen, R. and Marashelian, N. (2004) Understanding water, understanding health: the case of Bebnine Ottowa, Canada. International Development Research Centre 4pp.

Abstract

Improper discharge of wastewater is a main environmental and health concern for the town of Bebnine in north Lebanon. The community in general, and its health professionals in particular, believe that the fecal contamination of its different sources of water (springs, artesian wells, cisterns, irrigation water) is directly responsible for the high occurrence of enteric diseases in the town, some of which are perceived as endemic. Preliminary water analyses in 2003 confirmed the community’s concern, including the unexpected microbial contamination of the well that supplies drinking water to two densely populated public schools. The community believes that separate and well-maintained water and sewage networks would solve their problem. In fact, a recently installed water network will carry water for drinking purposes from sources outside Bebnine before mid 2005. However, not more than 20-30% of the community is expected to benefit from the new network because of water tariffs (connection and annual subscription) that are unaffordable for the majority of the community

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