ABSTRACT
Groundwater resources management in Egypt aims at optimal and sustainable use of this precious resource in the framework of overall integrated water resources management. Major concern of the management is controlled and sustainable groundwater abstraction, protection of groundwater resources from various sources of pollution and seawater intrusion, and prevention of waterlogging. Controlled artificial recharge of groundwater is an important tool for proper groundwater management within the wider objective of Egypt’s Ministry of Public Works and Water Resources to manage surface and groundwater resources in an integrated manner.
Experience with uncontrolled, diffuse infiltration of irrigation excess water in the Western Delta fringes and controlled basin infiltration at the Bustan Extension Area is used to evaluate the applicability of artificial recharge in Egypt. Rainwater and treated urban sewage water are considered as alternative sources for artificial groundwater recharge. The integration of artificial recharge in Egypt’s water resources management is presented in the paper.
