Yes, rainwater collection is legal in Egypt but subject to strict licensing and technical standards enforced by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI). While not outright banned, unauthorized systems risk penalties under the 2026 Water Resources Law amendments, which prioritize state-controlled water management.
Key Regulations for Rainwater Collection in Egypt
- Licensing Requirement: MWRI mandates prior approval for any rainwater harvesting system exceeding 50 m³ capacity, per Decree 147/2021. Unregistered systems face fines up to EGP 500,000 (≈$16,000) under Law 12/2026.
- Technical Standards: Systems must comply with MWRI’s 2024 guidelines, including filtration and storage protocols to prevent contamination of aquifers. Non-compliant designs trigger mandatory dismantling orders.
- Urban Restrictions: In Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria, municipal bylaws (e.g., Law 136/2023) prohibit rooftop collection without a separate permit from the local water utility, citing drainage infrastructure risks.
Violations are adjudicated by specialized water courts, with recent 2026 reforms empowering the National Water Research Center to conduct unannounced inspections. Exemptions apply only to subsistence farming in remote governorates, where MWRI permits are waived for systems under 10 m³.