Modern Methods and Solutions for Water Resources Management in the Wadi-Watir Region (Egypt)

Abstract

The main problem of water resources in Egypt is the increasing demand and decreasing supply, especially after the construction of the Ethiopian Renaissance Great Dam. One of the best solutions is the use of unusual alternative management techniques, including as a major one, rainwater harvesting and distribution. This paper examines the use of unconventional approaches to water management in arid regions based on rainfall accumulation. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydrological modelling, the suitability of the Wadi-Watir catchment (Egypt) for rainwater storage was assessed and optimal locations for the construction of storage structures were identified. The results of the study showed that 19% (666 km2) of the study area is highly suitable for the aims and objectives; 16% (573 km2) of the catchment area has limited realisability. Twelve sites were found to be suitable for the construction of storage dams. Fourteen sites are identified as optimal for the placement of percolation (filtration) reservoirs along watercourses. The area considered ideal for above-ground percolation (filtration) tanks is 25.9 km2. The optimum area for farm ponds is 1.34 km2. As a result, the construction of water storage structures is proposed to improve water management in the Wadi-Watir region. The implementation of the rainwater harvesting structures (SRF) was divided into three phases depending on the severity of the flash flood hazard. The first, second and third phases can meet 62.24% (34.24 mil m3) of the water demand. This approach is a new and modern solution to the problem of water scarcity under socio-economic and environmental pressures while achieving the goals of sustainable development in Egypt. The article is based on the dissertation research of Mohamed Mostafa Ezzeldin Abdelrahim (MGSU, dissertation council № 24.2.339.07, March 2024).