Morocco's dams reach 52.6% capacity amid ongoing water recovery efforts

Monday 26 January 2026 - 12:32

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's dams reach 52.6% capacity amid ongoing water recovery efforts

Morocco's network of dams has achieved an overall fill rate of 52.6 percent as of Monday, January 26, 2026, holding approximately 8.8 billion cubic meters of water from total available resources. This milestone reflects a robust rebound driven by recent heavy rains following prolonged drought years that had pushed levels below 30 percent in late 2024 and early 2025.

The upward trajectory builds on steady gains throughout January: reservoirs stood at around 42.5 percent early in the month, climbing to 46 percent by mid-January, with major basins like those in the north and center showing the strongest increases. Official monitoring through the "Al-Ma Dialna" mobile application, developed by the Ministry of Equipment and Water, delivers real-time data to the public, promoting awareness and responsible consumption.

This progress eases immediate pressures on agriculture, which consumes about 87 percent of Morocco's water, urban supplies reaching 99 percent coverage in rural infrastructure, and hydropower generation. Yet, the nation confronts structural challenges, including seven years of drought, rising evaporation from higher temperatures, and groundwater depletion, prompting aggressive investments in desalination to cover 60 percent of drinking water needs by 2030 via renewable-powered plants in Casablanca, Agadir, and Tiznit.

Key initiatives include solar panels over dams to curb 30 percent evaporation losses, over 100,000 solar irrigation pumps, precision drip systems doubling efficiency by 2030, and wastewater reuse in 128 cities. The National Office of Electricity and Water (ONEE) leads these efforts alongside regional multiservice companies, ensuring equitable distribution while exporting fresh produce despite climate volatility.

Apps like "Al-Ma Dialna" empower citizens with daily updates via Play Store and App Store, reinforcing campaigns against waste under hashtags like #NoToWaste and #ResponsibleConsumption.