The filling rate of dams exceeds 28.47% in 2024

Morocco continues to suffer the effects of a prolonged water crisis. According to data updated as of December 29, 2024, the filling rate of the dams amounts to 28.47%, representing a total volume of 4,794 million cubic meters. This figure, although up compared to the same period in 2023 when it reached 23.29%, remains insufficient to meet the growing needs of the country.

The low rainfall recorded in recent months is compromising the outlook for the agricultural season, with pessimistic forecasts regarding cereal production. The difficulty in reaching the initial targets of 2.5 million hectares of autumn crops reflects a critical dependence on precipitation, while water stress limits irrigation and affects the viability of the plant cover, essential for livestock.

The continued decline in water reserves threatens not only agriculture, but also the supply of drinking water for several regions. With an annual availability which could drop to 300 cubic meters per inhabitant, Morocco is approaching the critical threshold of severe water shortage.

In response to this crisis, the Kingdom is relying on its National Water Strategy, put in place to secure resources in the long term. This ambitious plan includes the construction of new dams, improving groundwater management and accelerating the deployment of desalination plants.

The use of seawater desalination presents itself as a key solution. Currently, several large-scale projects, particularly in the regions of Casablanca-Settat and Souss-Massa, are underway. These infrastructures aim to produce drinking water while meeting the needs of agricultural irrigation. However, these initiatives require massive investments, rigorous planning and sustainable management to minimize associated energy and environmental costs.

Despite the progress made, many challenges remain. The low capacity of current infrastructure to retain and effectively manage water remains a major concern. Distribution systems are still suffering from significant losses, estimated at more than 35% in certain regions, which increases the pressure on available resources.

In addition, the water deficit requires careful management of underground resources, which are often overexploited to compensate for the lack of surface water. Strict regulations and increased awareness among local stakeholders are necessary to curb this overexploitation and protect these strategic reserves.