Rabat Bans Hammams, Restricts Water Use as Morocco Battles Drought

The city of Rabat has just imposed restrictions on the use of drinking water. The prefecture of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra has announced the prohibition of the use of drinking water for certain activities, including:

• Cleaning of streets, squares, roads and other public places;
• Watering of green spaces, gardens and sports fields;
• Washing of vehicles, machinery and equipment.

For these activities, drinking water will be replaced by treated water or unconventional alternatives from the public network.

The decision also imposes restrictions on the public baths of the city, limiting their operation to four days a week and prohibiting opening on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Pools can only be filled once a year and must be equipped with water recycling and filtration systems, under penalty of sanctions.

Water distribution will also be reduced to allow the application of other restrictive measures as needed. It is now forbidden to plant water-hungry plants and herbs to cover the ground, with consequences for those who do not comply with this rule, including warnings, temporary closure or even cancellation of administrative licenses. These decisions are accompanied by strengthened controls to ensure compliance.