Morocco's Dams: Record Low Water Levels Signal Dire Water Scarcity

Monday 05 February 2024 - 07:39

Morocco is grappling with a pressing water crisis as its dams approach drought levels, triggering concerns over dwindling water reserves nationwide. Recent data from the Ministry of Equipment and Water has revealed a bleak reality: the country's dams are currently at a mere 23% capacity, marking a significant decline from last year's 31%.

The stark decrease in water storage is evident across the board, with the total volume dropping to 3.72 billion cubic meters compared to the previous year's 5.14 billion cubic meters. This alarming trend underscores Morocco's escalating water insecurity in the face of persistent rainfall deficits.

Key dams, essential for irrigation and water supply, are experiencing unprecedented levels of water stress, edging perilously close to depletion. The Loukko Dam, vital for the northwest region, now stands at a precarious 38% capacity, holding just 666.94 million cubic meters of water. Similarly, the Moulouya and Sebou dams report alarming figures, with storage levels dwindling to 23% and 35%, respectively.

Although a handful of dams, including Tansift, Draa, and Guir Ziz Rheris, have witnessed marginal increases in water reserves, these isolated improvements offer little relief in the face of widespread drought.

The situation is particularly dire at Morocco's largest dam, the Al Wahda Dam, which currently stands at a mere 39% of its full capacity, holding 1.38 billion cubic meters of water compared to last year's 2.04 billion cubic meters – a staggering 30% decline. Moreover, the Al Massira Dam is almost depleted, with water levels plummeting to a mere 0.6%.

With dams across the nation rapidly drying up, Morocco is confronted with an imminent threat of deepening water scarcity amid its most severe drought in decades. Urgent action is imperative to enhance water security and avert the looming crisis before taps run dry.