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Meteorological Conditions

The Damour coastal area has a yearly average humidity level of 67.5%. The highest humidity level occurs during the summer, ranging between 71% in June to 73% in August. Such high levels are mainly associated with its location along the coastline. The total and effective rainfall levels are estimated at 600 mm/year and 507.8 mm/year, respectively. Annual evapotranspiration is estimated at 1592.95 mm/year (Lebanese Meteorological Service).

 

 
Surface water resources

The Damour River is a perennial river with a length of 40 km. Its watershed extends over an area of 305 km2 and has a maximum elevation of 1948 m, from which the river originates (Dar Al-Handasah, 1996). Its lithological characteristics comprise both karstic (27%) and non-karstic formations (73%). Two major springs, Es Safa and Barouk, contribute to the water discharge in the river. Additionally, the river is formed by the convergence of three minor rivers: Es Safa, Zeble, and el Hamam. The average annual yield of water discharge, recorded for the years 1992-1993 and 1994-2001, was about 100 million m³/yr, with an average annual flow rate of 8.2 m³/s.

 

 
Groundwater resources

Groundwater resources mainly exist in the Sannine Aquifer, which is protected from direct contact with the sea by the Chekka formation. This is in contrast to the situation in Saadiyat area. This aquifer is recharged through infiltration of precipitation run-off from the Damour River.

A total of 64 public and private wells operate in the village of Damour. Sixteen public wells, fourteen belonging to Beirut Water Authority (BWA) and two municipal wells used for domestic supply. With regard to private wells, 44 are used for domestic purposes, whereas 6 are used for irrigation. Forty-two (42) private wells are utilized in Saadiyat Area for domestic purposes, since the area lacks piped water network. The total annual volume of water exploited from all 64 wells ranges between 1.14 million m³ to 8.9 million m³, under the condition that the Beirut Water Authority wells operate from July until January. Eighty percent (80%) of the water extracted from the 14 BWA public wells, during this period, is delivered to Beirut and Ain el Delbi. There are also several springs in Damour.

 

 

Type

Uses

Aquifer Tapped

No. of wells with known pump discharge

Total wells

Average Pump Discharge (m³/d)

Volume Exploited (million m³/year)

 Min

 Max

Beirut Water Agency

Domestic

Sannine

14

14

3115

-

7.2

Barouk Water Agency

Domestic

Sannine

2

2

2376

0.29

0.58

Private

Domestic

Sannine

44

44

310

0.31

0.41

Irrigation

Sannine

6

6

1958

0.54

0.71

Total No. of wells and the total yearly discharge 

64

 

 

1.14

8.9