Morocco expands desalination strategy as Laayoune plans new water capacity

Laayoune is preparing for a potential expansion of its drinking-water production as authorities examine the construction of a third seawater desalination unit. The proposed facility would add around 300 litres per second, equivalent to approximately 26,000 cubic metres of treated water a day.

If the proposed capacity is confirmed, the combined output of the three units would reach 900 litres per second, compared with the current 600 litres per second. The increase would provide additional supply capacity for Laayoune and surrounding urban centres, including El Marsa, Foum El Oued and Tarouma.

Beyond the technical figures, the project reflects a broader shift in water management in one of Morocco's most arid regions, where securing reliable supplies has become closely linked to urban expansion and economic development.

A third production unit under consideration

The proposed desalination facility remains at the planning stage, with the final technical configuration yet to be determined.

Its indicative capacity of 300 litres per second would represent a 50% increase over the existing combined production capacity. Such an expansion would provide greater flexibility during periods of high demand and reduce pressure on conventional water resources.

The project would also require more than the construction of a treatment facility. Seawater intake infrastructure, pumping stations, storage facilities, transfer pipelines, electricity connections and remote-management systems would all have to be assessed as part of an integrated supply network.

The final design is expected to depend on an assessment of future demand and the performance of existing infrastructure.

Water scarcity is reshaping regional planning

The initiative comes against a difficult national water backdrop. Morocco's latest environmental assessment estimates the country's natural water potential at roughly 22 billion cubic metres annually, while the quantity that can effectively be mobilised is considerably lower because of climatic, geographical and technical constraints.

Rainfall patterns have also become increasingly challenging. Official environmental data indicate that seven of the ten years between 2015 and 2024 experienced rainfall deficits exceeding 20%.

Longer-term projections point to further pressure. Depending on the river basin and climate scenario, renewable water resources could decline by between 5% and 35% by 2050.

For southern territories where surface-water resources are naturally limited and groundwater systems face pressure, desalination is consequently becoming part of long-term water-security planning rather than merely an emergency response.

Urban growth adds pressure to water networks

Water demand is also being shaped by demographic and economic change.

Morocco's urbanisation rate reached 62.8% in 2024, according to the High Commission for Planning. Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra is among the country's highly urbanised regions, increasing the importance of reliable drinking-water infrastructure.

For Laayoune, water availability is also connected to the development of economic activity. The regional economy includes port-related activities, phosphates, industry and energy, all of which require dependable infrastructure and long-term planning.

Additional desalination capacity could therefore help provide the water security needed to support households, public services and future investment.

Operating conditions present technical challenges

Expanding desalination capacity in Laayoune also comes with particular engineering requirements.

High temperatures, seawater salinity, corrosion and airborne sand can place additional stress on industrial equipment. Seawater intake systems must also be designed to reduce the risk of obstruction and protect the reliability of the treatment process.

These factors make maintenance and operational resilience important considerations from the earliest stages of the project.

A larger production capacity would have limited value if distribution networks, storage facilities or pumping systems were unable to handle the additional volumes. The effectiveness of the investment will therefore depend on the performance of the entire water-supply chain.

Desalination is part of a wider national strategy

The proposed Laayoune project fits into Morocco's broader response to growing water stress.

The National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Programme 2020–2027 allocates significant investment to water infrastructure, including desalination projects. Morocco is also pursuing a substantial expansion of desalinated-water production as part of its longer-term strategy to diversify water supplies.

The approach seeks to reduce dependence on rainfall and conventional freshwater resources while strengthening the resilience of major urban and economic areas.

For southern regions, where climatic conditions make conventional resources particularly constrained, seawater offers a potentially more predictable source of drinking water.

More supply must be matched by better water management

Increasing production alone, however, cannot resolve Morocco's structural water challenges.

Agriculture remains by far the country's largest water user, accounting for about 88% of water resources according to official environmental data, compared with around 11% for drinking-water supply.

This distribution underlines the importance of managing demand alongside the expansion of supply.

Reducing leakage in distribution networks, improving water efficiency, expanding the reuse of treated wastewater and controlling the energy requirements of desalination will remain essential components of long-term water policy.

Desalination itself is energy-intensive, meaning that the cost and environmental footprint of additional production must also be taken into account.

Laayoune's water future depends on an integrated approach

The proposed third desalination unit would mark another step in the transformation of Laayoune's water-supply system. Its potential contribution goes beyond adding 26,000 cubic metres of water per day: it could provide additional resilience as the region faces demographic growth, economic expansion and increasing climate pressure.

The project's ultimate impact will nevertheless depend on how effectively new production is integrated with existing infrastructure and accompanied by measures to control consumption and protect water resources.

For Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, desalination is becoming an increasingly important pillar of water security. But its long-term success will depend on combining new production capacity with efficient networks, responsible consumption, energy management and sustainable planning.