The study, conducted across 15 countries, reveals that water conservation remains a top concern for Egyptians.

The findings highlight progress and ongoing challenges in managing water resources in Egypt, one of the world’s most water-stressed nations.

According to the study, 71 percent of Egyptian consumers list clean and safe water as a significant environmental concern over the next five years, a slight increase from 69 percent in 2023.

The government’s efforts towards sustainability are also recognized, where 74 percent of Egyptians believe the government has made significant progress in the past year, far surpassing the figures from the US (41 percent) and Europe (32 percent).

Similarly, 69 percent of Egyptian consumers acknowledge the progress businesses have made towards sustainability, compared to 40 percent in the US and 35 percent in Europe. 

However, the study also highlights that consumer confidence in water conservation is coupled with heightened concern about water security.

Despite acknowledging these efforts, the country suffers from a substantial water deficit. The Nile provides approximately 97 percent of Egypt's water needs, but the country has access to only 59.6 billion cubic metres annually out of the required 114 billion.

According to government figures, Egypt’s per capita water availability has fallen to 500 cubic metres annually, far below the UN’s threshold for water scarcity, which is 1,000 cubic metres per person.

Meanwhile, the study comes as the World Resources Institute projects a 20-25 percent increase in global water demand by 2050, with the MENA region expected to face extreme water stress.

Egypt’s efforts towards water conservation
 

Egypt has reinforced its commitment to sustainable water management through its 2050 Water Resources Plan, bolstered by recent partnerships with the EU and the Netherlands.

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam has stressed the importance of safeguarding water resources as a national security priority to ensure sustainable development for future generations. 

The Ecolab Watermark study also revealed that Egyptians increasingly support businesses prioritizing sustainability. Notably, 66 percent of Egyptian consumers have stopped purchasing products due to the high amount of water involved in their production.

Stefan Umiastowski, senior vice-president at Ecolab, emphasized that consumers send a clear message to businesses, signalling a demand for responsible water management practices. 

Ecolab’s annual study, which measures the importance of water, its usage, and its connection to climate change, underscores the need for collective action from all sectors — government, businesses, and consumers — to address the growing threats of water scarcity.