Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mahmoud Abu-Zeid said Egypt has some 150 billion cubic meters of underground water, 60% of which is used. There is still a room for expansion in use especially in the Eastern Desert and Delta. Speaking to Al-Masry Al-Youm, the minister said a joint body was established between Egypt, Sudan, Chad and Libya to make use of the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer.
The Ministry of Irrigation will be responsible for licensing groundwater wells in the valley, the Delta and desert areas so as to ascertain the validity of all procedures, tighten control over the quality of water and avoid wasting water, especially if the agricultural activity was diverted into tourist resorts or industrial and real estate activities.
The minister added that more than 250 wells and 1200 centers for controlling groundwater were established nationwide to ensure water quality.