Morocco has set ambitious targets to address growing pressure on its water resources, aiming to expand its water storage capacity to 27 billion cubic meters by 2031. The country's Minister of Equipment, Water and Forests, Nizar Baraka, announced the targets as part of a new national water security strategy adapted to climate change. This strategy aims to strengthen water supplies and prevent flood risks.
The new strategy includes a goal to reach a total desalination capacity of nearly 1.8 billion cubic meters annually by 2031, covering 60% of Morocco's drinking water needs. Baraka noted that 53% of Morocco's rainfall falls across just 7% of the country's territory, creating challenges for the distribution of water resources. The strategy also addresses regional inequalities in water availability and the overexploitation of groundwater in several areas.
To achieve its water storage goals, Morocco plans to increase its capacity through the construction of large and medium-sized dams. Currently, work is underway on 17 large dams with a combined storage capacity of 5.4 billion cubic meters. Authorities are also building six medium-sized dams and have scheduled three others. The ministry has launched 12 new dam projects that will add an estimated 4.9 billion cubic meters in storage capacity.
In addition to dam construction, Morocco is expanding water transfers between river basins. The first phase of the project connecting the Sebou and Bouregreg basins has been completed, and the ministry plans to launch the second phase next year, linking the Bouregreg and Oum Er-Rbia basins. This phase aims to transfer nearly eight million cubic meters of water to strengthen drinking water supplies and support food security.
Desalination remains a major part of Morocco's water security strategy. The country has increased its annual desalination capacity from 46 million cubic meters in 2021 to 447 million cubic meters currently. This year, the ministry plans to launch two desalination plants in Nador and Driouch, with a combined annual capacity of 300 million cubic meters, alongside another facility in Tangier with a capacity of 150 million cubic meters.
Beyond infrastructure, the ministry plans to implement various measures to improve water management and conservation. These include expanding drip irrigation across more than one million hectares, improving irrigation and drinking water distribution networks, and increasing the volume of treated wastewater available for reuse. The strategy will also incorporate artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve water resource management.
On flood prevention, Baraka outlined a five-pillar plan that includes mapping vulnerable areas through a new flood atlas, expanding hydraulic infrastructure, and strengthening early warning systems. The ministry has completed 27 flood protection projects across several provinces and has another 21 projects underway. Authorities have also developed real-time rainfall monitoring and advanced early warning systems to help protect lives and property.
Key points
- Morocco aims to reach a total desalination capacity of nearly 1.8 billion cubic meters annually by 2031.
- The country plans to expand its water storage capacity to 27 billion cubic meters by 2031.
- The new strategy incorporates artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve water resource management.
