Groundwater threatening Egyptian temples

Egyptian authorities say ancient temples in Karnak and Luxor are being threatened by groundwater.

Scientists have discovered the lower sections of the stone monuments are slowly being erroded by water with a high salt content.

They blame a poorly designed water disposal system constructed around populated areas near the ruins.

Most of the temples are in farming areas where water collects in trenches used to irrigate fields.

"It is true that these monuments are in danger from the rising level of underground water," Farouk Hosni, Egyptian Minister of Culture said.

"This problem has been building up until it has reached a dangerous level. We are all working to solve the problem that might cause disaster to the area."

Several steps have already been taken to help reduce the amount of water saturating the soil.

Ayamn Abd El-Hammed, who heads the restoration effort for the Ministry of Culture, commented: "We will request the re-digging of the canal surrounding the temples.

"This will lessen the underground water and will solve 30% of the problem."

The ministry will also have several unnecessary fire hydrants and public toilets removed to help reduce the amount of water seeping into already saturated soils around the temples.