The Zliten Groundwater Crisis: A Threat to Community Wellbeing and Sustainable Solutions

Assessing Natural and Socioeconomic Factors Driving the Groundwater Crisis in Zliten, Libya

Abstract

The rise of polluted groundwater in Zliten, Libya, emerged as a crisis in early 2024, affecting over 2,000 families and posing significant health risks.  This paper investigates the causes of this crisis by assessing the interactions between the man-made drivers and the natural environment of the Wadi Majer basin. GIS and remote sensing data for the years 2012-2024 have been used to analyse the spatial and temporal correlations between groundwater levels, Man-Made River Project (MMRP) water supply, precipitation, and the lack of a centralised wastewater system. The findings show that the uncontrolled water supply from the MMRP, along with wastewater contamination from faulty sewage systems, is a significant contributor to rising groundwater levels and contamination. The impact of natural geological and climate variations was found to be insignificant. We evaluate the effectiveness of current mitigation measures, such as drainage canals and water removal, and propose sustainable, long-term groundwater management options for Zliten, adopting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles. These involve controlling MMRP supply management, investing in wastewater treatment facilities, and fostering public awareness. This research provides necessary information for policymakers and stakeholders to adopt beneficial strategies for mitigating the present crisis and ensuring that groundwater resources in Zliten are sustainable over the long run.