Morocco’s dam reserves climb to nearly 76 percent capacity

Monday 25 May 2026 - 14:18

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco’s dam reserves climb to nearly 76 percent capacity

Morocco’s dam system reached a total filling rate of 75.94 percent at the end of May 2026, reflecting a strong recovery in national water reserves after a period of water stress. The country now holds 12.93 billion cubic meters of water out of a total storage capacity of 17.03 billion cubic meters, according to official water management data.

The improvement marks a significant year-on-year rebound. On the same date in 2025, national dam reserves stood at just 40.02 percent, equal to around 6.8 billion cubic meters. The increase reflects stronger inflows and improved hydrological conditions across several basins, despite rising temperatures in late spring.

Heat levels above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of central and southern Morocco have raised evaporation risks, but the higher water stock has helped stabilize supply conditions. Authorities note that current reserves remain sufficient to support drinking water distribution and irrigation needs in the coming months if consumption remains controlled.

Northern basins continue to concentrate the largest share of national reserves. The Sebou basin leads with 4.75 billion cubic meters and a filling rate of 88.39 percent, supported by major storage infrastructure including Al Wahda Dam, which itself stands at 88.76 percent capacity.

The Loukkos basin recorded the highest filling rate nationally at 97.23 percent, with several reservoirs fully saturated, including dams in the Chefchaouen and Larache areas. The Bouregreg basin, which supplies the Rabat–Casablanca corridor, reached 89.74 percent, strengthening water security for Morocco’s largest urban and economic axis.

The Tensift basin also posted strong levels at 94.78 percent, improving water availability for Marrakech and surrounding regions during the high-demand summer period. In contrast, the Oum Er Rbia basin, one of the country’s most critical water systems, stood at 65.72 percent, with mixed performance across its reservoirs, including a strong recovery at Bin El Ouidane and a weaker position at Al Massira.

Eastern Morocco’s Moulouya basin reached 73.03 percent, supported by seasonal snowmelt from the Middle Atlas. However, southern basins remain under pressure. Souss Massa stood at 54.53 percent, while Draa Oued Noun recorded the lowest national level at 38.17 percent, followed by Ziz Guir Ghris at 51.47 percent.

Water authorities continue to warn that rising temperatures and evaporation could quickly reduce surface reserves if consumption increases during the summer peak. Calls for efficient water use remain central to national resource management policy.