The Oriental region under high water pressure

The Oriental region is hit hard by the harmful consequences of water stress. This is an alarming situation that has worsened since the 2019/2020 agricultural season. The dams in this region are almost dry with a filling rate of less than 8.65%.

These low surface water storage rates are beginning to be felt by the multiplication of water cuts accentuated by strong demand in these times of heat wave and high tourist influx. As far as the aquifers are concerned, they are overexploited. The example of the city of Oujda, supplied 100% by underground water, is typical. The risk of water shortage is looming because these aquifers are not limitless reservoirs. Worse still, many people are not aware of the importance of moderation in the use of water. Despite multiple awareness campaigns on water saving, the reflexes do not follow suit. In addition to these classic actions, the ministry in charge of Water is planning the construction of a desalination plant in Nador which will have a production capacity of 100 million cubic meters expandable to 200 million cubic meters, and will supply drinking water to the (Northeastern)  towns of Nador, Driouch, Zaio, and related centers. However, the region needs other desalination plants to meet part of the demand…

Ali KHARROUBI