RIGW Director
Professor Dr. Manal Abdel Moneim Mohamed the Director of the Research Institute for Groundwater (RIGW), part of the National Water Research Center (NWRC). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Zagazig University (1996), as well as a Master’s and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Irrigation and Hydraulics Department) from Ain Shams University. Throughout her career, she has held several prominent positions, including Head of the Technical Office of the Institute and Head of the Department of Groundwater Management and Protection.
Dr. Manal possesses extensive expertise in hydrogeology, groundwater modeling, and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. Her specialization also includes water quality monitoring and managed aquifer recharge (MAR). She has participated in numerous national and regional research projects, focusing on the assessment and development of water resources in the Nile Delta and the Nile River, addressing issues related to rising groundwater levels, and implementing drainage systems for power plants. In addition to her research, she supervises Master’s and Ph.D. theses and conducts training for engineers on the practical applications of hydrology and groundwater modeling. She has published over 18 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals on water resource management and groundwater assessment in Egypt
One of the 12 scientific pillars of the National Water Research Center
RIGW Overview
The Research Institute for Groundwater (RIGW) is the specialized research arm in the field of groundwater in Egypt. It is one of the research institutes affiliated with the National Water Research Center (NWRC), which serves as the research body for the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. The Institute plays a pivotal scientific and technical role in supporting national efforts to study and assess groundwater resources across the Republic.
The Institute is responsible for conducting applied studies and research related to groundwater, including the assessment of aquifers, monitoring water levels and quality, and analyzing the impact of human activities and environmental changes on these resources. Furthermore, the Institute works on developing sustainable management strategies for groundwater to ensure its conservation, both in terms of quantity and quality, and to maximize its utilization to meet development requirements.
Through its scientific studies and technical consultations, the Institute assists decision-makers at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and other relevant authorities. This enhances the efficiency of water resource management and ensures the optimal utilization of groundwater in Egypt.
Area of Expertise
- Preparation and Updating of Hydrogeological Maps
- Developing specialized maps that illustrate the hydrogeological characteristics of geological formations and aquifers. These maps are utilized to understand groundwater distribution, flow directions, and to support planning and management decisions.
- Mapping of Groundwater Potential and Distribution
- Analyzing geological and hydrological data to identify areas with available groundwater and their exploitation potential. These maps assist in guiding development projects and determining the most suitable locations for well drilling
Technical Supervision of Exploratory and Test Well Drilling
- Providing field-based oversight of well drilling operations to ensure implementation according to established scientific and engineering standards. This process includes collecting essential field data to evaluate aquifer properties.
- Simulation of Aquifer Behavior (Quantitative and Qualitative) using Mathematical Models
- Developing mathematical models to simulate groundwater movement and changes in water levels and quality. These models aid in evaluating various management scenarios and support decision-making in groundwater resource management.
- Capacity Building and Development in Applied and Research Fields
- Implementing training programs and workshops for knowledge and expertise transfer in the field of groundwater. This aims to enhance the efficiency of technical and research personnel and support the sustainable use of groundwater resources.
RIGW Vision
The Research Institute for Groundwater (RIGW), as the specialized research arm in the field of groundwater within the National Water Research Center (NWRC), strives to support the sustainable management of groundwater resources in Egypt. This is achieved through advanced scientific studies and research, contributing to the conservation of groundwater in both quantity and quality. Furthermore, the Institute aims to enhance management efficiency to serve the water development plans of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
RIGW Mission
The Institute is dedicated to updating and developing groundwater resource management and development plans in Egypt. This involves establishing scientific policies and procedures capable of protecting these resources from degradation and depletion, thereby ensuring their sustainability and maximizing their utilization.
Furthermore, the Institute is committed to supporting national efforts through applied studies, research, and technical consultations. These activities are conducted within the framework of the National Plan for Water Resources Management and Development, contributing significantly to the achievement of sustainable development.
Highlighting the strong link with the Main Center through the following phrases:
- "The research pillar of the National Water Research Center in the field of groundwater."
- "One of the twelve scientific pillars of the National Water Research Center in the field of groundwater research."
- "One of the scientific and specialized pillars of the National Water Research Center for groundwater research."
- "A scientific pillar of the National Water Research Center in the realm of groundwater."
- "One of the twelve specialized groundwater institutes within the National Water Research Center."