The ongoing economic and political crisis in Lebanon has further weakened the old water and sewage infrastructure, which has not been adequately maintained or updated over the years. Underserved areas like Hermel and Arsal have been particularly affected by this. With shortages of humanitarian funding, fuel, and supplies such as chlorine and spare parts, the water sector is unable to function properly due to the increasing maintenance costs as a result inadequate water supply have become prevalent. On the other hand, lack proper sewage system is leading to open sewage and waste disposal practice resulting in contamination of water. In many areas, the problem is exacerbated by the lack of centralized water treatment facilities.
In parallel, impacted by the financial crisis people are unable to afford private water supply. According to UNICEF , for many vulnerable households, cost of private water is simply too high, as it represents 263% of the monthly average income. As a result, people relying on local wells and individual water sources that can be unreliable and unsafe.
An assessment done by MSF teams in the north (Wadi Khaled) and northeast (Arsal, Masharieh Al Qaa & Hermel) of the country, in early October 2022, showed that water sources – whether water trucking, wells, or water networks lack chlorine residual indicating a concern over the quality of water reaching the people.

In the past month, our teams have seen a surge in skin infections, and cases of acute diarrhea in Arsal, Hermel, and Masharieh Al Qaa where we run activities. All are health conditions resulted from being in contact with contaminated water or lack of access to clean water.

This is happening just months following the declaration of a cholera outbreak in the country.

MSF is concerned about the heightened risk of water-borne diseases and skin infections the water and sanitation conditions are posing on the people, Lebanese and refugees alike.