Egypt Turns to AI to Secure Water Future Amidst Growing Scarcity
Egypt is aggressively pursuing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to revolutionize wastewater treatment and reuse, positioning it as a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to address escalating water needs and ensure long-term water security. This shift was highlighted during a recent workshop focused on enhancing water reuse across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Addressing a Critical Challenge
The MENA region faces acute water scarcity, exacerbated by a growing population and the intensifying effects of climate change. Recognizing the urgency, Egypt is prioritizing the treatment and reuse of wastewater as a vital, non-conventional water resource. A senior official stated that the country views AI as a pivotal tool in optimizing this process.
The E-ERWARTER MENA Project: A New Assessment Tool
The workshop, titled “Enhanced the Reuse of Water in the Middle East and North Africa, using the E-ERWARTER MENA,” showcased the E-ERWARTER project. This new tool, developed from the earlier Rewateer MENA project, provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the potential for water reuse in agriculture, industry, and environmental applications at local, national, and regional scales.
AI’s Role in Optimizing Water Management
The workshop emphasized the crucial role of digital technologies – particularly AI, remote sensing, and geographical information systems – in supporting informed decision-making for investors, planners, and policymakers. These technologies promise to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment and maximize the benefits of water reuse initiatives. [A chart illustrating the projected water deficit in Egypt by 2030 would be beneficial here.]
Significant Progress in Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
Egypt has made substantial strides in expanding access to drinking water and sanitation services. Between 2014 and 2025, drinking water coverage increased from 95% to 99% nationwide. Simultaneously, sewage service coverage rose from 50% to 70% across both rural and urban areas, with rural coverage experiencing a particularly dramatic increase from 12% to 60% over the same period.
National Strategy and Legal Framework
The nation’s commitment is further solidified by the recently published national strategy for the drinking water and sanitation sector, unveiled in October 2024. This strategy aligns with the government’s broader objectives of fostering public-private partnerships and promoting local industry, particularly in water desalination and sludge management. Furthermore, Parliament approved a new Law on Regulating Drinking Water and Sanitation in May 2025, aiming to create a more integrated and sustainable system that balances quality, sustainability, and social equity.
Expanding Non-Traditional Water Sources
Egypt is actively increasing its reliance on non-traditional water sources, including seawater desalination and the reuse of treated wastewater. The number of wastewater treatment plants has grown to 602, boasting a combined treatment capacity of 18.9 million cubic meters per day.
Collaboration and Expertise
The workshop drew participation from a diverse group of experts in the drinking water and sanitation sector from Egypt and the wider Arab region. Representatives from key Egyptian organizations, including the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Drinking Water Regulatory Authority, Sanitation and Consumer Protection, and the Holding Company for Drinking Water and Sanitation, were also in attendance.
The E-ERWARTER project, as a senior official stressed, represents an “advanced step towards building a safe and sustainable water future” for Egypt, promising to inform planning, urban design, and ultimately, the efficient use of water resources across all sectors.
