Turning the Tide : The Role of Desalination in Securing Libya’s Water Future

Overview & Synopsis

Libya is one of the most water-scarce countries globally, with minimal rainfall, extremely limited renewable water resources, and heavy dependence on non-renewable groundwater, particularly from the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System. Surface water contributes negligibly, and storage infrastructure is underutilized due to siltation, poor maintenance, and recurring droughts. Water demand, largely driven by agriculture, far exceeds supply and is projected to widen due to population growth, urban expansion, and subsidized tariffs. Prolonged conflict has further weakened the sector by damaging infrastructure, reducing service access and quality, and fragmenting institutional governance. Access to safe water has declined significantly, network losses remain high, and wastewater treatment is minimal, limiting reuse potential. Financial sustainability is constrained by low tariffs, weak billing, and reliance on volatile oil revenues, leaving utilities underfunded and unable to maintain systems. Climate change is expected to intensify these challenges through rising temperatures, reduced recharge, increased salinity risks, and more frequent extreme events, such as the devastating 2023 floods, further undermining water security and highlighting the urgent need for sector reforms and investment.