Egypt’s New Delta: The Largest Wastewater Treatment Plant in the World

By Magazine Team Last updated May 6, 2025 1,420 0

Contents

1 Project Overview

2 Key Objectives

2.1 Reclaiming and Cultivating Land

2.2 Environmental Restoration

2.3 Climate Change Mitigation

3 Guinness World Records

4 Technical Excellence and Sustainability

4.1 Environmental Impact

5 A Vision for the Future

6 Leadership & National Pride

7 Conclusion

8 References

In a remarkable achievement, Egypt has established itself as the host of the largest wastewater treatment plant in the world, the New Delta Irrigation Water Treatment Plant. This monumental project has garnered global attention, securing four Guinness World Records for its size, capacity, and advanced technologies.

Project Overview

The New Delta Project is a flagship initiative in Egypt’s agricultural sector, specifically designed to address the pressing need for sustainable water management. Located in the El Hammam area of the North Coast, this facility boasts an impressive capacity of 7.5 million cubic meters of water per day. By effectively treating agricultural drainage water from the North Delta, the plant plays a crucial role in achieving food security and enhancing agricultural productivity across the nation.

Key Objectives

The primary objectives of the New Delta Irrigation Water Treatment Plant include:

Reclaiming and Cultivating Land

The project aims to reclaim and cultivate 500,000 feddans (approximately 210,000 hectares) in the West Delta. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand agricultural areas throughout Egypt, develop the Western Desert Region, and create new agricultural and population communities focused on production and industrialization.

Environmental Restoration

The facility seeks to remove pollution from Marriout Lake and the Mediterranean Sea coast in Alexandria. By treating wastewater, it contributes to the restoration of local ecosystems and enhances the quality of arable land available for cultivation.

Climate Change Mitigation

The New Delta Treatment Plant plays a significant role in mitigating climate change impacts in the Delta area. By diverting wastewater and managing floodwaters, it helps prevent land subsidence in the Behira Governorate, ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices during extreme weather events.

Guinness World Records

The New Delta Irrigation Water Treatment Plant’s accomplishments include:

Largest Water Treatment Facility by Area: The plant spans over 320,000 square meters, making it the largest facility of its kind globally.
Most Capacious and Operationally Robust Plant: With a capacity of 86.8 cubic meters per second, it stands out for its ability to handle significant volumes of wastewater efficiently.
Largest Sludge Treatment Plant Globally: The facility boasts a sludge treatment capability of 670.01 kilograms per second, further establishing its operational excellence.
Largest Area Covered with Epoxy Coating: This innovative feature enhances the durability and sustainability of the plant’s structures.

These records were celebrated in an official ceremony attended by representatives from various joint venture companies and government officials, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this groundbreaking project.

Technical Excellence and Sustainability

Covering more than 320,000 square meters, the plant functions at an impressive rate of 86.8 cubic meters per second and boasts a significant sludge treatment capacity of 670.01 kilograms per second. Finished in only 24 months, this project utilizes cutting-edge sustainable technologies and solutions, positioning it as one of the most important sustainability initiatives globally. The plant is a pivotal component of Egypt’s national water resources plan, which extends until 2050, and aligns with the National Water Plan “2017-2037.”

Environmental Impact

The New Delta Treatment Plant not only focuses on water treatment but also emphasizes environmental protection. By utilizing advanced water management solutions, the facility aims to improve agricultural productivity while safeguarding natural resources. This dual focus on sustainability and efficiency positions Egypt as a leader in innovative water management.

A Vision for the Future

The construction of the New Delta Treatment Plant signifies a strategic vision for Egypt’s future. It is expected to reclaim and develop 2 million acres of agricultural land in the western Delta, thereby boosting agricultural productivity and contributing to national self-sufficiency. The project aligns with Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Leadership & National Pride

The New Delta Irrigation Water Treatment Plant, constructed by a joint venture of leading Egyptian firms—Orascom Construction, Hassan Allam Construction, Arab Contractors, and Metito—under the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Engineering Authority, exemplifies Egypt’s engineering capabilities and commitment to sustainability. Karim Madwar, CEO of Metito Egypt, praised the project as the largest of its kind globally, highlighting its alignment with Egypt’s national strategy to expand agricultural areas in the Western Desert.

Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, emphasized the facility’s importance in reclaiming agricultural lands and developing new urban communities, which are crucial for national development and sustainability.

Ahmed El-Assar, CEO of Arab Contractors, celebrated the completion of the plant with 100% Egyptian labor in record time, noting its capacity to treat significant amounts of agricultural wastewater daily, thereby supporting the reclamation of 2.2 million feddans and contributing to national security and economic stability.

Osama Bishai, CEO of Orascom Construction, remarked that this achievement showcases the company’s commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects and addressing major environmental challenges effectively.

Conclusion

The New Delta Irrigation Water Treatment Plant stands as a testament to Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development and innovative water management. As the largest wastewater treatment plant in the world, it not only addresses pressing environmental concerns but also plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in the region. With its record-breaking achievements and state-of-the-art technologies, the New Delta Treatment Plant is a model for future infrastructure projects, demonstrating how countries can leverage advanced solutions to tackle water scarcity and environmental challenges.

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