Rainfall improves water situation in Morocco, dam levels up

Recent rainfall across Morocco has significantly improved the country’s water situation, with the national average dam fill rate reaching 49.44%, according to updated figures released on April 15th by the Ministry of Equipment and Water.

Addressing the Chamber of Councillors, Minister Nizar Baraka stated that current dam storage has risen to 6.11 billion cubic metres—an increase not witnessed in several years, as reported by the Moroccan government friendly Hespress.

Since the beginning of the hydrological year, dams have received inflows totalling 3.785 billion cubic metres.

Baraka also reported a marked increase in snow cover, essential for groundwater recharge, now extending over 34,000 km² compared to under 9,900 km² during the same period last year.

However, he warned that rainfall remains unevenly distributed across the nation.

Although the overall water situation in Morocco has improved from “severe” to “moderate” water stress, rainfall levels are still 25% below the long-term average.

Water resources have improved by 45% compared to last year yet remain 58% below normal levels.

The Minister reassured that existing drinking water reserves should suffice for the next 18 months, ensuring supply until summer 2025 for most regions, though southern provinces continue to be at risk.

He added that some water basins now hold sufficient reserves for up to three years, which could permit increased allocations for agricultural irrigation.

Morocco is continuing its strategy to diversify water sources, particularly through seawater desalination.

The nation’s desalination capacity has expanded from 44 million to over 300 million cubic metres, bolstered by new infrastructure such as the pipeline from the Jorf Lasfar plant to Marrakech and Benguerir.

Moreover, planning is underway for a major water transfer project between the Abou Raqraq and Oum Er-Rbia basins, with a feasibility study expected to be finalised by June.

Hespress. Maghrebi