Egypt's Water Crisis: Polluted Supply Affects Millions

Egypt's water crisis is a pressing issue, with the country facing an annual water deficit of around 7 billion cubic meters, exacerbated by mass pollution of its water sources. The Nile, which provides 97% of the country's water, is in a dire state due to pollution and changing weather patterns. The effects of water pollution are impacting the entire country, making it harder to access clean water. This has led to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, schistosome, and hepatitis, with 100,000 people diagnosed with cancer and 15,000 with kidney failure each year. Egypt's rapid population growth, industrialization, and agricultural needs are putting pressure on limited water resources, and the country could run out of water by 2025.

The Nile is the primary source of water for Egyptians

The Nile River, the longest river in the world, is the primary source of water for Egyptians, providing water for drinking, fishing, agriculture, and industry. The Nile flows over 6,800 kilometres (4,000 miles) from east-central Africa to the Mediterranean Sea on Egypt's coast. For thousands of years, the Nile has been essential to the development of Egyptian civilisation, providing water for irrigation and supporting the growth of cities.

Today, 95% of Egyptians live within a few miles of the Nile, and the river remains a vital source of freshwater for millions of people. Canals bring water from the Nile to irrigate farms and support cities. The Nile is also an important source of hydroelectric power, with dams such as the Aswan Dam built to provide a source of electricity.

However, the Nile faces significant pollution problems, including industrial wastewater discharge, pesticide and chemical fertiliser residue from agricultural applications, agricultural water drainage, radioactive discharge, and oil pollution. These pollutants have led to an increase in waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, schistosomiasis, and hepatitis. According to reports, approximately 38 million Egyptians drink from sewage-polluted waters, and water pollution has been linked to high rates of cancer and kidney failure in the country.

Egypt's rapid population growth, currently at 2.5% annually, further strains the Nile's water resources. The United Nations predicts that Egypt will face a water shortage by 2025, and the country could run out of water, causing concern for the well-being of its citizens, especially children, who are more vulnerable to the toxic substances found in polluted water.

To address water scarcity and pollution, the Egyptian government has implemented initiatives such as the National Water Resources Strategy 2017-2037, which aims to develop water resources through desalination and recycling, enhance water quality, rationalise water use, and create a sustainable environment. The private sector, such as the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater, is also working to improve drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, and sludge management.

Population growth and water scarcity

Egypt is facing a water crisis due to a combination of factors, including population growth, economic development, and water scarcity. The country's high population growth rate, estimated at 2.5% annually, is putting pressure on the existing water supply. Between 1970 and 2001, Egypt's population doubled from 35.3 million to 69.8 million, and it is expected to reach 100 million by 2020. This rapid population growth increases water stress by augmenting water requirements for domestic consumption and irrigation to meet higher food demands.

Egypt's economy is also expanding, and as people's incomes rise, their diets change, increasing demand for water-intensive foods such as meat. The country's agricultural sector, which accounts for around 11% of GDP and more than 20% of employment, relies heavily on water from the Nile. Approximately 90% of the water from the Nile goes towards agricultural production, but Egypt has already reached the limit of the Nile's water supply and has started importing more food.

The combination of population growth and economic development is driving up water consumption in Egypt. It is estimated that aggregate water consumption will increase by more than 20% in the next few years. At the same time, upstream development projects on the Nile, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), risk reducing the amount of water flowing to Egypt. As a result, Egypt could face rising food insecurity and unemployment, which could lead to political instability in the Nile basin region.

The scarcity of water in Egypt is also impacted by pollution. The Nile, which is the primary daily source of water for most Egyptian cities and citizens, faces daily pollution problems. These include industrial wastewater discharge, pesticide and chemical fertilizer residue from agricultural applications, agricultural water drainage, radioactive discharge, and oil pollution. Approximately 38 million Egyptians drink from sewage-polluted waters, and this polluted water is also used to irrigate farmlands, leading to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, schistosomiasis, and hepatitis.

Egypt is taking steps to address its water scarcity and pollution issues. The National Water Resources Strategy 2017-2037 aims to develop water resources through desalination and recycling, enhance water quality, rationalize water use, and create an enabling environment. The government is also working on regulating water demand and exploring alternative water sources, such as the reuse of treated wastewater and desalination of seawater. However, if adaptations are not made, Egypt could run out of water by 2025, and the political instability caused by water scarcity may affect the entire Nile basin region.

Water pollution sources and effects

Water pollution is a critical issue in Egypt, with the Nile River, the primary source of water for most Egyptian cities and citizens, facing daily pollution problems. The country's rapid population growth, water scarcity, and pollution challenges converge to create a complex situation.

Sources of Water Pollution in Egypt

Egypt's water pollution stems from various sources, with industrial wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff, and sewage contamination being key contributors.

• Industrial Wastewater Discharge: Factories and industrial operations release wastewater containing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and other pollutants into the Nile. This includes discharges from oil refineries and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Agricultural Runoff: The extensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other agrichemicals in Egypt's agricultural sector leads to water pollution. When it rains, these chemicals, along with animal waste, wash into rivers and other water bodies, causing contamination.
• Sewage and Wastewater: Egypt struggles with sewage treatment, and untreated or partially treated sewage finds its way into water sources, including the Nile. This issue is exacerbated by the dumping of garbage, plastic waste, and other toxic chemicals by individuals and establishments into water bodies.

Effects of Water Pollution in Egypt

The consequences of water pollution in Egypt are dire and impact the health, economy, and overall well-being of its citizens.

• Health Risks: Water pollution poses significant health risks to Egyptians. According to reports, approximately 38 million people in Egypt drink from sewage-polluted waters, leading to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and other waterborne illnesses. The pollution also contributes to high rates of cancer and kidney failure in the country.
• Economic Impact: Contaminated water harms Egypt's economy, particularly in regions heavily dependent on water sources for agriculture and industry. The cost of addressing water pollution and its associated health issues is substantial.
• Food Chain Disruption: Pollutants enter the food chain, affecting fish and other animals that consume them. These toxins can then be passed on to humans who consume these contaminated sources, leading to various health issues.
• Environmental Degradation: Water pollution severely impacts the ecosystem, modifying and destroying habitats. It endangers aquatic life and disrupts the delicate balance of Egypt's natural environment.

Sewage and wastewater issues

Egypt's water infrastructure has seen substantial development over the last few decades, with notable achievements in expanding access to piped water and sanitation services. As of 2019, 96.9% of the population had access to safely managed drinking water, and proper sanitation coverage rose from 50% in 2015 to 66.2% in 2019. However, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas and urban slums, where a significant number of households are still not connected to the water system.

The main issues with sewage and wastewater in Egypt are twofold: the treatment of wastewater and the disposal of solid waste. Egypt has a large volume of wastewater, with about 16.4 BCM produced annually, including 4.4 BCM of sewage and 12 BCM of agricultural wastewater. The country has prioritized wastewater treatment, and its capacity has increased significantly over the past two decades. By 2021, Egypt's total wastewater treatment capacity exceeded 16 million cubic meters per day, a tenfold increase since 1985. However, deficiencies in sanitation infrastructure persist, and ineffective treatment plants pose significant public health risks. Poor maintenance of water treatment plants has resulted in the failure to remove parasites, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms, exposing residents to unsafe water.

Solid waste management is another pressing issue. Egypt generated approximately 89.03 million tons of solid waste in 2013, with municipal solid waste accounting for 21 million tons. The majority of this waste is disposed of in landfills, with some incineration and recycling also taking place. However, the country's waste management system struggles to keep up with the growing volume of waste, and improper disposal methods contribute to environmental degradation and water pollution.

The Egyptian government has implemented various strategies to address these issues. The National Water Resources Strategy 2017-2037 aims to address water-related challenges over the next 20 years, with a focus on developing water resources, enhancing water quality, rationalizing water use, and creating a supportive environment. The government also established the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater (HCWW) in 2004 to oversee drinking water purification, desalination, distribution, and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. Additionally, the 2019-2023 executive plan for solid waste recycling aims to attract investments to develop the infrastructure for trash sorting facilities in several governorates.

Government initiatives to improve water quality

Water sector development is a priority for the Egyptian government due to high annual population growth, which puts pressure on the existing water supply. Egypt's water supply is highly vulnerable as 97% of its water sources originate from outside its borders. The country is also facing an annual water deficit of around seven billion cubic meters and could run out of water by 2025.

The Egyptian government has implemented several initiatives to improve water quality and address water scarcity. Here are some key government initiatives:

National Water Resources Strategy 2017-2037

The National Water Resources Strategy 2017-2037 is a 20-year plan with a projected cost of EGP 900 billion (around $55 billion). It aims to address Egypt's water-related challenges by focusing on four pillars: developing water resources through desalination and recycling, enhancing water quality, rationalizing water use, and creating an enabling environment.

The Holding Company for Water and Wastewater

The Holding Company for Water and Wastewater, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, works on drinking water purification, desalination, and distribution. They also focus on wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, as well as sludge treatment services. The company aims to provide utilities to new communities and expand services to inhabited and industrial areas in Upper Egypt and border cities.

Solid Waste Recycling Initiatives

Egypt has implemented solid waste recycling initiatives to address the significant amount of solid waste generated in the country. The 2019-2023 executive plan includes attracting investments to develop the infrastructure for trash sorting facilities in several governorates, including Cairo and Daqahliyah.

National Rural Sanitation Program

Launched in 2013, this program aims to provide sustainable rural sanitation services to an additional 45 million people. The Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) supports this initiative by working on sanitation access, utility performance improvement, and creating an enabling environment.

Water for Life Initiative

In partnership with UNICEF, Egypt has launched the 'Water for Life' initiative to expand access to safe water in new districts. This initiative builds upon previous efforts where UNICEF provided safe water to 17,832 households, reaching approximately 90,000 people in rural areas.

These initiatives demonstrate the Egyptian government's commitment to improving water quality and addressing water scarcity challenges. By investing in infrastructure, promoting recycling, and partnering with international organizations, Egypt is taking steps towards ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources for its citizens.

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