Egypt's per capita water falls below half of UN's water scarcity threshold: Minister

CAIRO – 10 February 2026: Egypt is currently facing a critical water scarcity challenge, with per capita water availability at just 500 cubic meters per year—less than half of the water scarcity threshold set by the United Nations, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Swelim, said on Tuesday.  

Swelim highlighted the country's heavy reliance on the Nile River, which provides 98% of Egypt's water resources, placing immense pressure on the nation's water management systems, especially in light of unilateral actions by upstream countries along the Nile.

Swelim’s remarks made during a meeting with Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation.

The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply for all sectors, stressing that access to clean drinking water and sanitation are fundamental human rights.

Morever, he pointed out the ministry's continuous efforts, particularly in maintaining adequate water levels at intake stations for drinking water plants operated by the Ministry of Housing.

Swelim also discussed the ministry's efforts to tackle water shortages, such as recycling wastewater and exploring desalination projects. He further stressed the importance of adopting modern water management technologies and conducting public awareness campaigns focused on water conservation.

Additionally, the minister outlined the ministry’s ongoing climate change adaptation projects, including flood protection and coastal erosion prevention, as well as initiatives to empower local communities in Sinai and other regions. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to international water agreements, calling for greater cooperation and mutual respect among the countries sharing the Nile Basin.