The Water Struggle in Cairo

Water security in Egypt has decreased tremendously due to the mismanagement of water resources and inefficient irrigation procedures practiced by the country. This has caused serious water scarcity in their region.

Cairo relies heavily on the Nile River for the supply of fresh water. This river is their primary source of drinking water and has become the strength of Egypt’s engineering and farming sector.

Water availability is diminishing due to their rising population, rapid economic expansion on the Nile Basin and the environmental ruin in the country.

The Problem Surrounding the Quality of Water in Cairo

In Cairo, there is a lack of water treatment plants. Sewage water from the areas surrounding Cairo is discharged into the river and remains unprocessed. This has led fish to die from poisoning in large quantities. The poisoning comes from the industrial waste pumped into the river. Metal and high levels of ammonia can be detected in the water and pose a high risk to human and animal health. Agricultural production and the growth of their products, are also in jeopardy, resulting from the water contaminants.

Impurities from pesticides and herbicides run into the river and causes damaging effects on the river and the people who depend on the water. The Nile is becoming a polluted river and as the only source of water for Cairo’s impending disaster.

Egypt has a guaranteed 90 percent share of the Nile, but Ethiopia has started to build the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam which could cut into Egypt’s share of the water. Although it would be a wonderful source of electricity for Ethiopia, it would decrease the amount of water needed to supply Egypt sufficiently.

There is a great concern for Cairo as there would be less water supply during the dry months of the year. Water shortages could endanger the lives of those that depend on it for survival. Executing water conservation methods and controlling the water contamination is imperative during these times.

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