Egypt has substantially strengthened its wastewater treatment infrastructure over the past decade, with the number of treatment plants reaching approximately 621 by June 2026, according to figures released by the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities.
The expansion reflects a broad national effort to improve sanitation services, enhance water security and promote the reuse of treated wastewater. Since 2014, the country has added 236 wastewater treatment facilities to its network, including 47 plants providing tertiary treatment. As a result, Egypt’s total wastewater treatment capacity has increased to around 19 million cubic metres per day.
The ministry stated that these investments support the government's long-term strategy to maximise the use of available water resources through expanded wastewater treatment and reuse while strengthening essential public services.
Among the country's largest facilities is the Abu Rawash Wastewater Treatment Plant in Giza, which is the second-largest wastewater treatment plant in Egypt after the El-Gabal El-Asfar Wastewater Treatment Plant. The facility provides wastewater treatment services for approximately 9 million residents, making it a key component of the governorate's sanitation infrastructure.
The Ministry of Housing also identified the Zagazig Wastewater Treatment Plant as an important asset within the national network. Designed to treat up to 160,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day, the facility contributes to increasing the volume of treated water available for reuse as part of Egypt's wider water resource management strategy.
According to the ministry, continued investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure is intended to support more efficient use of the country's limited water resources while delivering environmental benefits and helping meet water demands across agricultural and industrial sectors. The ongoing expansion also reinforces Egypt's efforts to improve the resilience and sustainability of its water and sanitation systems.
