Southern Morocco faces escalating water demand crisis by 2050

Friday 24 January 2025 - 14:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Southern Morocco faces escalating water demand crisis by 2050

Southern Morocco is bracing for a dramatic surge in water demand over the next three decades, driven by population growth, urban expansion, and persistent drought conditions. Recent projections highlight the urgent need for strategic interventions to ensure sustainable water access in the region.

According to data from “Maa Dialna,” a public platform linked to Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment and Water, water demand in several southern regions is set to skyrocket by 2050. Guelmim, for instance, is expected to see its water needs increase from 1.06 million cubic meters in 2020 to 8.57 million cubic meters by mid-century. Similarly, Sidi Ifni’s demand is projected to nearly double, rising from 0.99 million cubic meters to 1.9 million cubic meters over the same period.

The Tan-Tan region is also facing a significant uptick, with demand anticipated to grow from 0.85 million cubic meters in 2020 to 3.67 million cubic meters by 2050. Meanwhile, Assa-Zag will experience a fourfold increase, climbing from 0.44 million cubic meters to 1.83 million cubic meters. Tata and Zagoura are no exception, with demand expected to rise from 2.89 million to 5.03 million cubic meters and from 3.11 million to 6.27 million cubic meters, respectively.

These projections underscore the mounting pressure on Morocco’s already strained water resources. Despite recent rainfall and snowfall raising reservoir levels to 28.4% of their capacity—equivalent to over 4.77 billion cubic meters of water—the Ministry of Equipment and Water has cautioned that the country’s water reserves remain critically low. The ongoing drought, exacerbated by climate change, continues to deplete these vital resources.

In response to the crisis, the Moroccan government is urging citizens to adopt more responsible water usage practices and reduce waste. However, experts emphasize that long-term solutions will require comprehensive strategies, including investments in water infrastructure, desalination projects, and sustainable agricultural practices.

The escalating water demand in southern Morocco highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the region’s water scarcity challenges. Without decisive action, the availability of this essential resource could become a critical bottleneck for economic development and quality of life in the coming decades.