The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to serving the community, especially in times of hardship. Through the Environmental Engineering Laboratory, the faculty initiated a free water-testing program aimed at ensuring safe drinking water for shelters amidst the latest crisis of the savage Israeli attack on Lebanon.
Conducted in collaboration with the national Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) partners, this initiative led by Dr. Yasmine Jabali (Assistant Professor at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department) and executed with effectiveness by laboratory assistants Mrs. Sherine Saliba, Mrs. Lena Inati, and Mr. Yorgo Farah, underscores the faculty’s silent yet impactful role in addressing critical issues during crisis. By offering free testing for water samples from shelters' sources and distribution points, this program ensured that vulnerable displaced people had access to free clean and safe drinking water.
The initiative follows a meticulous testing procedure established in partnership with WASH organizations. Water samples are analyzed for key parameters, including Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, temperature, conductivity, and microbial indicators such as E. coli and coliforms. To maintain the integrity of the samples, they were delivered to the lab within 6 to 24 hours, preserved at 4°C during transport. The results were released within two days of sample receipt, after being verified by Dr. Jabali.
Throughout this period, Dr. Jabali actively provided guidance to community members, addressing numerous inquiries from organizations concerned about water safety. She had received numerous phone calls and emails from organizations working with shelters and displaced individuals seeking advice on whether their water was safe for consumption. Additionally, Dr. Jabali answered frequent questions regarding the use of water testing kits and their reliability. This phase of guidance highlights the faculty’s dedication not only to testing but also to empowering the community with essential awareness during crisis.
When asked for his personal insight, Mr. Mahdi Wehbi, WASH Sector Information Manager stated: “As WASH sector, ensuring access to safe drinking water for displaced communities is our top priority. In collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand (UOB), we are committed to maintaining the highest water quality standards by mandating rigorous testing before distribution. This partnership, with UOB generously offering testing services free of charge, exemplifies the power of collaboration and the role that certain academic institutions play in addressing humanitarian needs. Together, we aim to safeguard public health and restore dignity to those affected by displacement.”
In line with our Faculty of Engineering’s mission and vision, From Lab to Society, this initiative underscored the faculty’s steadfast commitment to serve the Lebanese community with dedication and expertise, often behind the scenes, as part of its support of Lebanon in its most challenging times. The University of Balamand continues to stand as a beacon for hope and dedication, proving that its role extends far beyond education and the classrooms, by actively contributing to community support in fostering resilience.
