Morocco: End of 7 Years of Drought

This spectacular improvement is based on rainfall reaching 108 mm between September 1 and January 12, marking a 95% surplus compared to the previous year. With a level 17.6% higher than the usual average, the Kingdom has finally exceeded the critical threshold characterizing periods of intense water stress.

These favorable conditions have resulted in a massive recovery of reserves. The dam filling rate has increased from 28% last year to 46% currently, representing a stock of 7.7 billion cubic meters. This rebound has been particularly rapid over the last month, with 3.1 billion m³ recorded. At the same time, an exceptional snow cover, reaching one to two meters in depth in the high mountain areas, ensures a continuous supply of the basins. According to the minister, these contributions now guarantee an average autonomy of an additional year in drinking water at the national level.

Despite this lull, the government is pursuing its structural projects to ensure the sustainability of the resource. The desalination policy is intensifying with the launch of new stations, particularly in Tangier, Nador and Rabat. In addition, the strategic "water highway" project is entering an active phase: the connection between the Sebou, Bouregreg and Oum Er-rabia basins should start this year. These projects aim to optimize the distribution of water between the surplus regions and those structurally in deficit, in line with the royal guidelines for the country’s water security.