Water supply and desalination in Northwestern Egypt

Abstract

The Matrouh Governorate located in northwestern Egypt has experienced considerable growth over the past decade as more people use the fine beach areas along the Mediterranean coast. The area is one of low rainfall and this growth has strained the existing sources of water. Traditionally, water has been supplied to the Governorate by low-yield wells, rain water collection, seawater desalination, and Nile water delivered by train, truck, and pipeline. For many years there has been interest in expanding the existing seawater desalination facility in Marsa Matrouh to provide a reliable supply of water for the city. In 1987–88, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) helped to provide a number of small brackish water desalting plants to be used in the rural areas. In 1988, USAID selected CH2M HILL International to assess the water and wastewater needs in the Governorate so as to assist the government in making decisions and investments relative to water supply in the future.