Drainage Research Institute

Overview

The Drainage Research Institute is a specialized scientific platform that aims to develop innovative solutions for surface water resources management, particularly in the fields of agricultural land drainage and water reuse through promoting applied scientific research to improve the efficiency of irrigation and drainage systems, enhance surface water quality, support reclamation projects, and support national policies to achieve water sustainability.

Since its establishment in 1976, and as part of the National Water Research Center, the Drainage Research Institute (DRI) has undertaken the responsibility of conducting applied research to support national plans for developing agricultural drainage in Egypt. The Institute has also taken the initiative in developing tools for planning and managing water reuse in irrigation. In these fields, the Institute focuses its resources on understanding problems related to these areas and providing innovative solutions for them.

The Institute relies on a scientific methodology that combines theoretical and applied research, through monitoring and analyzing data to develop effective tools in water resources planning. Its most prominent outputs are represented in developing techniques and methods for designing subsurface drainage networks, and establishing sustainable policies to face water challenges through reusing and biologically treating agricultural wastewater using environmentally friendly technologies, in line with the objectives of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to ensure water security for future generations.

رؤية المركز

The Institute’s scientific vision is represented in being a regional leader in agricultural land drainage, water reuse, and pollution control. This is achieved by enhancing knowledge, building capacity, and facilitating the exchange and transfer of expertise. Key initiatives include delivering specialized training programs, such as the comprehensive “Water Quality Monitoring, Modeling and Assessment” course for African specialists, reinforcing Egypt’s leadership role in Africa and the Middle East. The Institute also develops and implements the “Integrated Water Management” program, designed to build essential capacities for preserving, monitoring, and developing water resources. Furthermore, it leverages its pioneering Al-Manzala Water Research Station–a flagship project for the biological treatment of agricultural wastewater–to host training courses and field visits for water and environmental professionals from universities, research centers, and partner nations worldwide.

مهام المركز

The Institute’s mission is to acquire knowledge and implement cutting-edge research, both theoretical and applied, to preserve biodiversity, advance integrated water management, and improve human health and welfare. Central to this mission is assessing water quality in drainage systems, identifying unconventional water sources by maximizing agricultural water reuse within sustainable environmental frameworks, and strengthening agricultural water management through predictive modeling of quality and quantity under diverse water policy scenarios.

Departments

  1. Drainage Technologies Department
  2. Department of Field and Experimental Research
  3. Agricultural Drainage Water Reuse Department

مجالات الخبرة

The Institute works to achieve sustainable development of water resources through these fields, with focus on innovation, applied research, and building partnerships to ensure Egypt’s water security in the present and future through the following axes:

  • Developing and testing modern techniques for planning, designing and implementing agricultural drainage systems to solve problems of agricultural land waterlogging and controlling soil salinity in irrigated agriculture systems in accordance with environmental conditions.

 

  • Determining the most suitable methods from both technical and economic perspectives for operating and maintaining agricultural drainage systems to achieve increased lifespans and reduced costs.

 

  • Developing and updating the most appropriate specifications for materials used in implementing agricultural drainage projects.

 

  • Evaluating the technical and economic efficiency of drainage projects and their impact on soil and crops, and developing strategies and criteria for rehabilitation and replacement.

 

  • Quantitative and qualitative studies of drainage water and the potential of reusing it in irrigation, and setting criteria and guidelines for reuse.

 

  • Strategies for using drainage water and predicting changes that occur in the quantity and quality of these waters and their impact on the environment.

 

  • Design and evaluation of water quantity and quality monitoring networks.

 

  • Evaluating the environmental impact of implementing agricultural drainage systems and water reuse.