Today, on World Water Day, we recognize remarkable efforts paving the way to solve global water challenges. One such effort is the New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant in northwestern Egypt, winner of the Best Project award in the Water/Wastewater category at the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Global Best Projects Awards and a National Winner in the Water Treatment Project of the Year category at the MEED Projects Awards 2023.

With four Guinness World Records, here's why this fast-track project, delivered in just 24 months, is considered a prime example of sustainable water management and a standard for future water initiatives.

A Sustainable Solution to Water Scarcity
Like many regions worldwide, Egypt grapples with the pressing issue of water scarcity. The New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant represents a strategic response to this challenge, repurposing agricultural wastewater to enhance water use efficiency and create a new agricultural heartland. Named for its goal of reclaiming 2 million feddan of agricultural land, the New Delta Treatment Plant builds upon the successes and lessons learned from our previous endeavors, like the Bahr Al-Baqar and Al Mahsama projects. With a capacity of 86.8 m3 per second, it is the largest water treatment facility in the world and a fundamental component of the government's $50 billion water-saving plan to combat water scarcity through 2037.

Technological Innovation
The New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant is an impressive engineering feat with a capacity to process 7.5 million cubic meters of wastewater daily. It receives wastewater from the Old Delta agricultural drainage and transfers it to a 174-kilometer canal, the longest artificial river in Egypt's Western Desert.
The plant leverages advanced digital systems to improve performance, reduce wastage, and control water quality, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client specifications. It features a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system that collects and processes data from sensors, enabling remote control of all equipment. Innovative construction techniques like slip-form technology and self-erecting tower cranes exemplify a commitment to efficiency, speed, and resource optimization.

Sustainability Across Design, Construction, and Operations
The New Delta project sets a remarkable example of sustainability. The plant reuses agricultural wastewater by processing resources from wastewater to enhance water usage efficiency. This process helps irrigate 210,000 hectares of additional agricultural fields and safeguard marine and coastal ecosystems from environmental contamination. Our experts have meticulously met stringent Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for water quality. From sustainable design practices to responsible construction and operational strategies, the New Delta Treatment Plant embodies a holistic commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

Beyond Water Treatment: Social Impact and Job Creation
The impact of the New Delta project extends far beyond addressing water scarcity. It aims to minimize environmental impact using sustainable design, construction, and operations. It is also designed to create a self-sufficient community with on-site amenities and facilities, reflecting a holistic development approach. By 2025, this project is expected to create over 2 million job opportunities, transforming deserted areas into social hubs that cater to the needs of residents and promote social inclusion.

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
The New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant symbolizes hope and progress for Egypt. Its success secures a more sustainable future for the country and provides a blueprint for responsible water management globally. The plant will help Egypt meet its 2030 National Agenda and UN Sustainable Development Goals by bridging the 20 billion m3 water. It will also improve livelihoods in the remote, unpopulated desert region and enhance resilience to climate change-exacerbated flooding by directing wastewater and floods from Behira Governorate to the New Delta area.

As we celebrate World Water Day, let us reflect on the significant advancements in water management and renew our pledge to achieve a future where water is abundant, accessible, and sustainable for all.