Water management and controlled drainage using reuse system approach at distribution level

Abstract EN

Egypt is facing increasing strategic challenges of improving the productivity and sustainability of water use, rather than augmenting water supply to meet the ever- increasing population growth.

The configuration of an irrigation system is obviously determined by the relation of water and land resources, the topography and economic considerations (UNDP, 1981).

A sound recognition to better water management is essential for maintaining a viable agricultural sector while facing ever-increasing demands and competition among other water use sectors.

Water management is best improved by an integrated package of services and technical assistance that respond to users demand.

This applied technical research is for introducing the technique of reusing part of the available agricultural drainage water at farm level for securing the needed water for irrigation in case of any water shortages in the main water system to improve farm irrigation performance and its efficiency.

The presented technique introduces new approach for improving the efficiency of water use in farm level as a concluded approach towards integrated modernization and management of irrigation and drainage water facilities.

The introduced approach addresses the integrated approach of water use in irrigation system in the old land; also improves the efficiency of water use at distribution level and reduces the amount of water that goes to the open drains.

The illustrated system will leads to, water saving, optimizing use of chemical fertilizers, avoiding the negative impact of the agriculture drainage, providing controlled drainage and safeguarding the Groundwater quality.

The approach was tested in two pilot areas in the Delta region for this applied research technique (Samatay area in Middle Delta, Gharbiya Governorate and Lawiya area in West Delta, Behira Governorate).

The approach was proven feasible for implementation.

The cornerstone of the introduced approach is needed cooperation with the target water beneficiaries to come to an agreement on the implementation of this integrated package.

The users will become committed to the required modernization systems and its operation after the proposed training and guidance, also the associated cost recovery mechanism with other improved elements.