Is it Safe to Swim in the Nile River?
Contaminants, microorganisms and the presence of dangerous wildlife: swimming in the Nile River can be a risky endeavor. Since ancient times, the Nile has been essential in shaping the economic and social development of Egypt, but travelers to the nation should proceed with caution before taking a dip. Below, read on to learn more about the safety of swimming in the Nile and its implications.
The Nile stretches 4,132 miles (6,650 km), beginning at Uganda and flowing through seven countries before draining into the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. It is the longest river in the world, and its waters are utilized by millions of people. Unfortunately, harmful pollutants such as sewage, industrial wastewater, and agricultural runoff can create an unsafe atmosphere for swimming in certain parts of the river. These same pollutants can harm the local fish, plants, and ecosystems. Heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, accumulate in the river’s sediment and may pose a health hazard if ingested. The river is also home to Nile crocodiles, hippos, and other animals people should be wary of.
Similarly, the Nile is home to a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and parasites. This can make it unsafe to drink the river water. Swimmers may also be exposed to water-borne illnesses, such as Leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and bilharzia. For example, Bilharzia is caused by a parasitic worm, and can lead to anemia, abdominal pain, or diarrhea if left untreated.
Despite these potential hazards, swimming in the Nile hasn’t been banned in any of the river’s countries. In Egypt, swimming is actually quite popular, although there are several areas where tourists are urged not to dip into the river. The U.S State Department reminds tourists to be alert to their surroundings and to check with local officials before entering the waters.
In recent years, the government of Egypt has begun to limit the amount of sewage and industrial runoff released into the river. Reconstruction efforts have also seen a rise in the number of water treatment plants, and the waters of the southern section of the river are deemed to be of a high-moderate quality. This can vary, however, so caution should be exercised before swimming in the river.
Access to Clean Water
As a source of water, a majority of the population in the Nile Valley rely on the river. However, access to drinking water is not always a given and the river often suffers from the buildup of chemical pollutants, sewage, and other environmental hazards. A 2013 survey found that roughly 420 million people were exposed to waterborne diseases directly correlated to the Nile. Many of these infections were preventable with better access to clean and safe drinking water.
Since 1976, the Egyptian government has prioritized improving the quality of drinking water along the Nile and its tributaries. They initiated a program of water desalination and purification, constructing desalination plants, waste treatment facilities, and intakes to ensure that drinking water is properly monitored. The use of sewerage pumps, settling tanks, and sand filters, has also been implemented. Although this has made a significant difference, vast infrastructure repairs and development projects will need to be accomplished before the conditions in the river improve.
Initiatives like the Nile-Basin Trust Fund, established in 2017 by the World Bank, assisted Egypt in improving the quality of drinking water by allocating $20 million for infrastructure investments in wastewater management and other water services. As a result, water sediment levels drastically decreased in comparison to 2009 levels.
Nile Wildlife Preservation
The Nile is home to much wildlife, including fish, several species of aquatic birds, mammals and reptiles such as the Nile crocodile and hippopotamus, and a huge variety of insects. The river’s water levels, water temperature, and the varying current attract all kinds of animals, which in turn boosts ecological diversity.
The river has served as a major source of commercial fish since ancient times, but human interference has caused the population to decrease. To combat this, local conservation efforts have prioritized fish breeding and enhancement programs in several regions. The crops planted along the sides of the river, and the tanks, ponds and lakes utilized for fisheries, encourage the growth of animal populations. Fishing is strictly monitored, ensuring that an animal’s survival or reproduction is not interrupted.
The wetlands formed by the tributaries of the Nile also provide significant habitats for waterfowl in the region. One group, the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement, is dedicated to conserving at least 92 species of birds that populate the area. A majority of the affected bird species travel from Europe and Asia during the winter and then return during the summer.
In recent years, conservationists have educated local communities on the importance of river health and promoted practices that make the river more hospitable for animals. This includes discouraging pollution, overfishing, and the destruction of vegetation. Tourism in the region has also boomed since the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, and businesses are careful to adhere to the government’s sustainability guidelines.
Recommended Safety Practices
The health risks associated with swimming in the Nile are tempting to ignore, but swimming in the river should always be done with caution. Tourists are encouraged to use the below safety practices if they choose to take a dip:
- Swim in areas designated for swimming. Check with local officials to determine which areas are not polluted or are kept clean by nearby water treatment facilities.
- Do not drink the river water.
- Be aware of the danger posed by wild animals, including hippos, crocodiles, and other species.
- Protect yourself against sunburn, dehydration and exhaustion.
- Wash hands frequently, and be mindful of potential water-borne illnesses.
Implications of Swimming in Nile
Swimming in the Nile is risky, and certain precautions should be taken. Those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere may want to consider swimming in a hotel pool instead. Environmental conservationists in the region are continuing to fight for the health of the river and its wildlife, and if travelers choose to swim in the river, they are encouraged to do so with care.
Due to the region’s rapid population growth, the amount of agricultural runoff, industrial wastewater, and sewage released into the river has risen. Questions concerning the health of the waters, and the risk of water-borne illnesses remain. Conservationists have argued that mitigating contaminated water resource issues must be a priority through infrastructure improvements and reduced pollution.
Local Responses
Though swimming in the Nile is risky, it remains a part of Egyptian culture that many are unwilling to give up. In Aswan, locals can be seen swimming in the southern stretch of the river, despite the attitude of caution struck by the government. Tourists in the region may also be interested in local hot springs, which are heated by geothermal energy and deemed safe for swimming.
Aswan, Assiut and Cairo are a few of the cities that take advantage of natural hot springs to promote tourism in the region. These springs are free from contamination and offer visitors a form of relaxation that interacting with the nature is known to provide.
In addition, some cities along the banks of the Nile facilitate canoeing, rafting and water skiing, allowing tourists to access near the water without risking contamination and illness. Such activities have become a focal point of the city’s summer attraction and have been popular among tourists and locals alike.
Responsible Consumption
Tourists to Egypt are recommended to consider the fact that water resources are limited throughout the region and be mindful of their own water consumption when exploring. Although travelers should not necessarily avoid entering the Nile River, they should be aware of the potential health risks and follow the precautions outlined above.
Reusing water, limiting showers, and monitoring water usage will help to reduce water-related waste. Tourists should also be conscientious of food waste and reduce their shopping of single-use plastics, especially plastic drinking water bottles. Reducing the use of water, and upholding a sense of ecological responsibility, can make a difference.
Conclusion
Overall, the health risks associated with swimming in the Nile and drinking its water remain a concern, but several initiatives have been put in place to improve quality and access to clean drinking water in the region. Tourists to Egypt should use caution before swimming, and consider the environmental and health impacts of doing so.
