SWIM IMPROWARE NEWS (January-March 2014)

Technical and Hydro-geological Surveys in Nobariya, Egypt

A geophysical survey was carried out using the Transient Electro-Magnetic (TEM) and Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) method. The survey took place close to the city of Nobariya, located on the outskirts of the Nile Delta. The aim of the geophysical survey was to obtain a detailed three dimensional hydrogeological model of the study area in order to map the precise location and extent of the aquifers and assess the extent of deterioration caused by saltwater intrusion due to the over exploitation and climate change impacts. The data collection was performed jointly by Danish and Egyptian Researchers from Aarhus University and Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and the Research Institute for Groundwater. A total of 127 unique TEM measurements were acquired and 6 MRS measurements were collected. The individual measurements have a mutual spacing of only 200 meters, providing thus a dense three-dimensional data coverage of the km² study area.

The collected data was then carefully processed and interpreted with a state-of-the-art software developed by Aarhus University. The TEM result shows the resistivity of the layers in the earth down to a depth of more than 200 meters. This can be directly translated to geological and hydrological information, i.e. location of geological units and saltwater intrusion. Additionally, the TEM result has been thoroughly compared to the MRS measurements, which show the exact location of water bearing aquifers. By combining the results of the two methods, it has been possible to make a conceptual three-dimensional model of the study area, which forms the best basis for an elaborate groundwater model and, in the end, a better water management of the aquifers in the close proximity of the city of Nobariya.

Two field reports containing detailed information of the geophysical surveys were prepared. The reports describe the field campaigns, data collection, processing, inversion and interpretation of geophysical data. The preparation of a report that will describe interpretation of all geophysical data (public report, less technical) is ongoing.

In parallel, the geophysical data from the investigations carried out by Aarhus University in the area were used to update the IMPROWARE GIS archive. The results obtained by the described surveys are very useful and the description of the study area will be completed with further results obtained through geological drillings.

The location of the drilling holes has been investigated. The final decision has been taken in accordance between the Project Partners CURSA, Aarhus University and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), after having heard the suggestions of the Research Institute for Groundwater (RIGW) part of the project’s target groups. The area chosen for the specific analysis lies in the Sahn l Abd area, a wetland zone located in the northern part of Nobariya Wadi El-Natrun.

The target of this activity is to drill and construct one production well – about 50 meters deep – to take representative soil samples of the lithological cross section from the well borehole with core samples method and place 5 piezometers about 30 meters deep. Once the general location was decided, a plan of the wells location was designed, the preparatory work for the drilling activities was finalised and the documentation was published on the website and sent to all Egyptian drilling companies. The company has been finally selected based on the experience in managing similar drilling activities and conducting test campaigns at a national scale and on the economic offer (detailed budget for the execution of the activities).

In parallel, the geophysical data from the investigations were analysed and the IMPROWARE GIS archive was updated with the locations of the G-TEM investigations from Aahrus University.

Involvement of Local Stakeholders, Communication, Capacity Building and Dissemination in Egypt and Tunisia

The first months of 2014 where fully dedicated to improve the effectiveness of IMPROWARE participatory approach, which represents a really innovative tool of the project. Thanks to this approach, IMPROWARE was able to identify the constraints and the doubts of the society regarding good wastewater treatment and reuse.

Local stakeholders had the occasion to exchange ideas, experiences, knowledge, doubts, limits and constraints to their actions and rules during the past meetings dedicated to explore and discuss their views of this topic. Taking stock of the outcomes of these activities, special attention was dedicated by the project team to improve the strengths of all communication tools and to implement and further enhance the participatory path already built: on the basis of the outputs and recommendations from the past stakeholders meetings, a new calendar of activities and events has been prepared, both for Egypt and Tunisia.

In January and February all communication rules and communication materials of the project were reviewed (leaflets, website, posters, etc.) and new national networks of stakeholders were built up, in order to obtain a more effective communication and visibility of the project.

A Communication Campaign for Tunisia entitled “ANY DROP OF WATER” was set up and different workshops have been planned in April and May, one targeting University students and researchers and the second targeting civil society.

In Egypt, the strategy for engaging local Stakeholders was redefined, involving a panel of governmental officials and Local Authorities of Nobariya (High Level Stakeholders). Here, the empowerment of intergovernmental cooperation is still a key premise for the further involvement of local stakeholders.

A number of meetings in Nobariya are planned to be held between April and June 2014. These meetings will involve local NGOs, Entrepreneurs and Investors, local schools and the broader public.

The Communication Strategy for the country, updated through the direct involvement of the High Level Stakeholders in the definition of its implementation, will be based on i) public campaigns to raise awareness on water saving in the local opinion of Nobariya people and ii) more targeted campaigns, aimed at empowering and trust building towards water management Institutions.

Registration for the IMPROWARE E-Learning Programme on Water Resources Management is still open!