Water Crisis in Egypt Threatens Iconic Sites and National Supply
Egypt is facing a severe water crisis that poses a threat not only to its iconic sites but also to its national water supply. Historic mosques and mausoleums in Cairo, some submerged in up to a meter of water, are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to the Nile and their permeability to groundwater. However, this problem extends beyond Cairo, with official figures showing that 26.5 percent of Egypt’s clean water was lost in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
One of the main causes of this water loss is leakage in the country’s dilapidated and cracked water system. Non-revenue water, which refers to water that is produced but never reaches consumers due to leaks, theft, or illegal connections, drains hundreds of millions of cubic meters daily. The national Holding Company for Water and Wastewater does not disclose the breakdown of the loss by causes, making it difficult to address the issue effectively.
In major cities like Cairo, where 23.5 percent of clean water is lost, many leaks occur in the underground space between main pipes and buildings. This underground no man’s land often goes unnoticed and neglected by both the authorities and residents, leading to further losses. The age of the pipes also contributes to the problem, as they cannot handle high pressure efficiently and are prone to leakage.
To tackle this water crisis, Egypt needs to invest billions in overhauling its water system. However, with the country already facing an economic crisis and budget cuts, finding the necessary funds is a significant challenge. Implementing technologies that can identify and locate leaks accurately is another potential solution, but it requires both financial support and political will from municipal authorities, which have been reluctant to update their practices.
One alternative approach proposed by experts is to use the water that is lost or leaking from these historic sites. Instead of letting it go to waste or causing damage, the water can be channeled for beneficial purposes. For example, in Cairo, a community garden and playground called Al Khalifa Park is now entirely irrigated by groundwater from nearby mausoleums. Although the water cannot be used for edible plants due to the risk of contamination, it has created a much-needed green space in a densely populated neighborhood.
However, such initiatives are only a small-scale solution to a much larger problem. With a growing population of 105 million people and increasing water needs, Egypt must find more comprehensive and sustainable ways to address its water crisis. This requires a collective effort involving government intervention, infrastructure improvements, and conservation strategies. Only by taking these steps can Egypt secure its water future and protect its precious cultural heritage.
