The overall country water balance is considered not well established due to unreliable data on both the supply and demand in the system. Water demand management is a relatively new concept in Egypt and much of the world. It includes water pricing, changes in crops and technologies. The GOE has recognized the importance of demand management to maximize the benefits of available water resources. Resistance to cost recovery is anticipated from farmers and other beneficiaries of the water allocation process.
Public awareness is viewed as essential.
Water conservation and demand management are also viewed as key in the municipal and industrial sectors. Agriculture, however, will be forced in the future to continue to utilize increased amounts of low quality water. In parts of the Nile Delta region, there is potential to greatly increase the reuse of drainage water for irrigation. It is estimated that approximately 14 billion m3 of water are collected annually by the drains, but only 4 billion are currently being reused. The effects on soil and crop productivity, animal and human health when reusing drainage water are not well known.