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Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management Original Research

Assessment of Water Quality and Quantity Trends at Reuse Locations within the Bahr El- Baqar Drainage Catchment under Water Stress Reduction Scenarios

  1. Muhammad Ahmad Abdul-Muttalib
  2. Aiman El-Saadi
  3. Mahmoud Ali Refaey
  4. Hossam El-Gazzar

Abstract

Many countries face the pressing challenge of water scarcity, affecting around 20% of the global population in areas with water shortages. Egypt, one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East, is severely impacted by this issue. To address this, Egypt is focusing on developing alternative water resources, including the reuse of agricultural drainage water for irrigation. In this study, the SIWARE model was employed to evaluate water quality and quantity at two key sites in the Bahr El-Baqar catchment area in the Eastern Delta: (1) the Bahr El-Baqar feeder and (2) the Bilad El-Ayad pump station. The assessment explores scenarios of reduced Eastern Delta water quotas, which may result from population growth and upstream Nile projects. The model was calibrated and validated using data from 2020 and 2021, considering factors such as soil type, hydrology, climate, and water supply. Findings indicate that at the first site, with no reduction in the water quota, average annual total dissolved solids (TDS) exceed 2000 PPM, requiring a 15.8% increase in the Eastern Delta water quota to meet Egyptian regulations Law 48/1982 and amendments in 2013. Additionally, formulas were developed to predict salinities and discharges at both reuse sites under various any reduction scenarios, offering insights for improving water management in the Bahr El-Baqar catchment area.

Keywords

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