A recent scientific study has found that most groundwater wells in western Tripoli are contaminated, raising serious concerns about water safety and public health.
The research was carried out by the Libyan Advanced Center for Analysis, in collaboration with the University of Tripoli, and included laboratory testing of 20 groundwater samples collected from various residential areas. The results showed that a majority of the samples were polluted, with total dissolved solids (TDS) levels exceeding 3,000 milligrams per liter — well above Libya’s national drinking water standards.
According to the study, contamination levels varied depending on the depth of each well. Shallower wells were found to be the most polluted, with around 60 percent of wells between 35 and 60 meters deep showing high concentrations of pollutants. One of the samples, taken from a 50-meter-deep well, contained the highest recorded levels of Escherichia coli bacteria, indicating significant fecal contamination.
Researchers concluded that the majority of wells in the surveyed areas are unfit for drinking and do not meet the Libyan standards for safe water. They urged authorities to implement immediate measures to treat contaminated wells, regulate drilling practices, and enforce regular testing.
The study emphasized the urgent need to adopt clear safety guidelines for well construction, particularly in residential zones, and to conduct periodic testing before allowing groundwater to be used for drinking or food production. It also called for raising public awareness about groundwater quality and contamination risks.
The research was designed to assess the suitability of household wells used for drinking, domestic needs, and small-scale food industries in western Tripoli. It aimed to compare the findings with Libya’s official water quality standards and inform the public about the potential dangers of consuming untreated groundwater.
Experts warned that, without intervention, the ongoing contamination could have long-term environmental and health consequences, particularly in areas where residents depend heavily on groundwater due to poor public water infrastructure.
