Casablanca Imposes Water Restrictions: Hammams and Car Washes Face Partial Closures Amid Drought

To address this, the authorities of the Casablanca-Settat region have taken strict measures, closing public hammams as well as car wash stations on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week.

Ahmed Afilal, the deputy mayor of Casablanca, explained in an interview with Alyaoum24 that the public baths, already affected by the Covid-19 crisis, would risk bankruptcy if similar restrictions were applied, stressing the importance of finding a balance to protect this sector.

The city of Casablanca is therefore working to reduce waste and excessive water use. Among the solutions considered is the use of well water in public hammams, instead of drinking water. This idea is part of a series of proposals currently under evaluation.

The authorities are also encouraging bath and car wash owners to adopt less water-intensive methods. In addition, they have banned the cleaning of streets, squares, alleys and other public spaces with water.

Regarding the maintenance of green spaces, the planting of lawns is now prohibited, whether for institutions or individuals. Landscaping companies and nurseries are warned to comply with this rule under penalty of sanctions. The watering of parks, sports fields, and the filling of public and private swimming pools are also regulated.