Unconventional Water Resources as Sustainable Solutions to Mitigate Water Stress in Middle East and North Africa

Elgzzar, Hossam; elsaadi, Ayman; Ali Refaey Eltoukhy, Mahmoud; Abdul-Muttalib, mohamed

doi:10.21608/erjsh.2025.391523.1428

	Unconventional Water Resources as Sustainable Solutions to Mitigate Water Stress in Middle East and North Africa
Engineering Research Journal (Shoubra)
Volume 54, Issue 2, April 2025, Page 189-194 PDF (509.98 K)
Document Type: Review Articles
DOI: 10.21608/erjsh.2025.391523.1428
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Authors
Hossam Elgzzar ¹; Ayman elsaadi²; Mahmoud Ali Refaey Eltoukhy³; mohamed Abdul-Muttalib³
¹Drainage Research Institute, National Water Research Centre
²Nile Research Institute, National Water Research Centre
³Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, Cairo, Egypt
Abstract
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces unprecedented water scarcity, driven by arid conditions, limited freshwater resources, and rising demand due to growing populations. This review examines the potential of unconventional water resources including treated wastewater, agricultural drainage water, and desalination as sustainable solutions to mitigate water stress in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Jordan. With per capita water availability in many MENA nations expected to drop below 500 m³/year by 2030 and agriculture accounting for over 80% of water use, the region’s food security and economic stability are at risk. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges through prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall. This paper analyzes country-specific approaches, such as Egypt’s large-scale drainage water reuse, Morocco’s climate adaptation strategies, Tunisia’s policy-driven water management, and the acute water crises in Lebanon, and Jordan. Key findings emphasize the importance of integrated water resource management, advanced treatment technologies, and cross-border collaboration to optimize unconventional water use. By evaluating current practices and future opportunities, this study highlights how MENA countries can enhance water security, sustain agricultural output, and reduce the socio-economic impacts of water scarcity in an increasingly climate-vulnerable region.
Keywords
water reuse; water management; water scarcity; unconventional water resources


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