Many consider the Nile, a 6,853 kilometers (4,258 miles) to be a magical river that bestows fertility, abundance and good fortune to the ancient African land it passes through. It is a source of life, recreation and sustenance. But, can you drink water from the Nile river?
It is true that, until the early 19th century, many people across Egypt used the Nile as a major source of drinking water. But due to increased industrial and agricultural wastewater, the water quality drastically dropped in the 19th century. The inflow of wastewater allowed the proliferation of waterborne illnesses and water-related diseases to spread in villages which relied on the Nile heavily for domestic purposes.
A 2019 report by The World Bank found that roughly 23 million Egyptians are supplied with water from the Nile, but some water samples from certain communities have tested positive for unsafe levels of coliform bacteria which can cause gastrointestinal diseases and other illnesses. Moreover, in recent years, saltwater intrusion caused by excessive groundwater extraction has led to contamination problems in some towns along the river such as Luxor and Aswan.
Some preventive measures have been taken by the Egyptian government. They attempted to eliminate water-related diseases by setting up “Purification Centers” along the Nile, such as Aswan in 1993. These centers use filtration systems and chlorination to treat water. In 2017, the government announced plans to create an irrigation system from Aswan to Giza, hoping to reduce the threat of salinization and waterborne diseases.
Despite the government’s attempts to minimize the health risks associated with drinking water from the Nile, experts are still uncertain as to the quality of drinking water. Public health expert Dr. Amr Amin says, “It is important to be alert and aware of threats posed by almost all sources of drinking water, particularly the Nile. This includes checking for discoloration, odors and turbidity.” To be safe, it is generally advised to avoid drinking water directly from the river.
People should also be aware that some private companies are packaging and selling contaminated water from the Nile as “mineral water”. Egypt signed the International Bottled Water Association to protect consumers from such companies. However, further investigation is still needed as accusations of water contamination still surface regularly.
The Impact of Climate Change on Nile Infiltration Rates
Climate change has caused a significant rise in Nile temperatures. This has disrupted the infiltration rate of water into the soils in many areas, leading to a significant decrease in groundwater levels. Additionally, higher temperatures have caused the river’s flow to slow significantly, changing five thousand years of predictable seasonal flooding. This has had an adverse effect on the natural environment of areas along the Nile.
The disruption of the infiltration rate, as well as the reduction in water levels, has drastically changed the ecosystems of communities along the Nile. This has caused increased scarcity of drinkable water. Factors such as soil salinity, wildland fires and saline water intrusion have exacerbated the water crisis, causing illnesses such as diarrhoea, bacterial and viral infections in people who rely on the Nile for their livelihood.
Therefore, it is essential for the Egyptian government to address the effects of climate change on the Nile as a means of protecting the ecosystems and local livelihoods in communities around the river. The government must invest in wastewater treatment infrastructure, focus on intense water conservation efforts and ensure the steady supply of quality drinking water from the Nile.
Public Perception on Nile Pollution
Public perception of Nile pollution is heavily influenced by their own personal experiences. When asked about their thoughts on the state of ecological hygiene on the Nile, many Egyptians described the river as “dirty” and “unsafe”, as well as “a dangerous source of drinking water”. This sentiment is heightened by reports of fish dying in large numbers due to water pollution, as well as regular reports of high levels of pollutant discharge into the river. This has led to a widespread mistrust of the government’s ability to protect citizens from polluted water.
Furthermore, recent studies have found that higher levels of river pollution and increasing incidences of water related illnesses have led to a crisis of faith among local communities. Many people feel concerned that their health is constantly at risk due to the fact that the quality of the water that they use for drinking, cleaning and domestic purposes is compromised. This further affects the public’s perception of the government’s ability to provide clean water.
The Egyptian government faces increased pressure from citizens’ to take decisive action in cleaning and protecting the Nile from pollution and preserving the heritage of its rich river. Without a shift in current policies, future generations may never appreciate the beauty and power it has bestowed to Egypt for thousands of years.
Recreational Use of the Nile
The Nile has not only provided sustenance to the Egyptian people but has also served as an important recreational area. Every year, thousands of people flock to the river to enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, boating and sightseeing. The scenery that the Nile offers is one of unrivaled beauty, with majestic mountains and verdant vegetation. Many tourist companies promote ecotourism activities to promote the appreciation of its unique ecosystem.
However, the increased presence of people in the areas around the river has been deemed irresponsible, due to the lack of a responsible tourism strategy. This has caused frequent littering and illegal activities to occur around shorelines of the river. Furthermore, increased boat traffic can cause harm to aquatic wildlife, as well as the health of locals who rely on the river for clean drinking water.
As such, the Egyptian government must pursue initiatives to regulate recreational activities along the Nile. These include enforcing stricter anti-littering laws and creating designated spacing between boat traffic and shorelines. These laws must be supported by increased surveillance and a stronger rule of law.
Effects of Groundwater Coupled with Nile Pollution
With the population growth in the region outpacing the ability of the Nile to provide sufficient water for its population, many people have turned to extracting groundwater for domestic use. However, the discharge of wastewater from agricultural and industrial activities into the groundwater has caused contamination of shallow aquifers. This has caused a decrease in the recharge of deeper aquifers that are essential for supplying the Nile with drinkable water.
Therefore, the over-abstraction of groundwater, as well as its contamination from industrial and agricultural activities, have caused significant problems with the quality and quantity of groundwater supply. Additionally, the massive abstraction of deep groundwater has caused saltwater intrusion and contamination of rivers, causing further proliferation of waterborne diseases.
It is essential for the Egyptian government to take preventive measures to reduce the effects of groundwater abstraction and water pollution. This includes stronger regulations on industrial and agricultural activities, increased water conservation efforts, and the setting up of treatment centers that are equipped to address the problem of groundwater contamination.
Strategies for Sustainable Nile Water Management
In order to minimize water-related illnesses, the Egyptian government should create water-management strategies that are effective in preserving the river’s water quality. This includes proper sewage management and wastewater treatment infrastructure, as well as the monitoring and enforcement of water-related regulations.
The government should also focus on sustainable water use as a means of addressing water scarcity issues. This includes enhancing water efficiency practices, reducing water wastage and promoting water reuse. Furthermore, the government must invest in public education initiatives that teach citizens about the importance of preserving the river’s water quality and about the potential impacts of climate change.
Finally, the government must collaborate with local communities and civil society groups to come up with water-management strategies that are tailored to their specific needs. Through the integration of local knowledge, traditional practices and a shared sense of responsibility, sustainable water management strategies can be formed that can effectively preserve the Nile’s natural environment and protect the livelihoods of people who rely on it.
