The impact of hydrulic engineering construction on the groundwater situation in el Hammam area, Egypt : case study

Abstract EN

The newly introduced hydraulic engineering constructions for carrying excess of water from the western Nile Delta to the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt during the end of 20th century changed the hydrogeological setting.

This is obvious within the El Hamm am area where the following phenomena have been raised : 1- The occurrence of new Holocene, Pleistocene alluvial and Miocene Aquifers.

2- The increase of the water level of the politic limestone aquifer more than 15 m since 1975 and about 3.0 m since 1986.

3-3- The change of the hydraulic regime and the appearance of new water ponds.

4- The decrease of groundwater salinities in the politic limestone aquifer from 18,000 ppm in 1975 to 2890 ppm in2006 due to the continuous recharge from the new irrigation canals.

This situation can be replicated in other parts in the country, and the planner must take into consideration the possible effect of any surface water construction upon groundwater occurrence.

The new groundwater resources can be used in the future for reclamation of other areas as a supplementary source of irrigation after hydrologic evaluation.