Sustainable Water Management in Casablanca-Settat: A Commitment to the Future

Saturday 22 March 2025 - 16:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Sustainable Water Management in Casablanca-Settat: A Commitment to the Future

In observance of World Water Day 2025, celebrated annually on March 22, the theme this year is "Preserving Glaciers." This initiative aims to shed light on the plight of 2.2 billion individuals globally without access to safe drinking water, urging immediate action to combat the worldwide water crisis. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.

In line with this observance, the Société Régionale Multiservices (SRM) Casablanca-Settat is unveiling its initiatives and projects designed to secure potable water supply for the region. Amidst growing water stress, SRM Casablanca-Settat plans to launch 211 drinking water projects this year, with a total investment of 5.3 billion dirhams.

Securing Drinking Water Supply for the Region

The regional company has scheduled the construction of 12 water reservoirs across Casablanca-Settat, with an investment of 155 million dirhams planned for this year. These reservoirs will add a collective capacity of 277,000 cubic meters, enhancing SRM Casablanca-Settat's storage capacity by over 22% to exceed 1.1 million cubic meters of water.

Additionally, SRM will initiate a project to secure drinking water supply from a new desalination plant in Casablanca, with a total investment of 2.15 billion dirhams. This two-year project aims to ensure a reliable water supply for the region, with a projected capacity of 300 million cubic meters annually. The project includes the installation of 118 kilometers of pipelines ranging from 600mm to 1,800mm in diameter, alongside two water reservoirs in Sahel Oulad H’riz with capacities of 30,000 and 60,000 cubic meters, and two pumping stations capable of 6,000 l/s and 9,800 l/s.

In response to the challenges of water stress, exacerbated by climate change and demographic pressure, the government has prioritized securing potable water for vulnerable populations. An urgent program has been launched to address immediate needs while bolstering regional resilience against water shortages. For Casablanca-Settat, the SRM-led initiative involves constructing 33 monobloc desalination and demineralization stations with a total capacity of 255 l/s, equating to 8 million cubic meters per year. With a budget of 400 million dirhams, the project is already in progress, having activated 11 monobloc stations across various provinces.

Comprehensive Leak Detection and Repair Plan

SRM Casablanca-Settat has implemented a robust action plan focused on detecting and repairing water leaks within its network and connections, combating fraud, and managing water pressure. The company employs an array of innovative technologies, including the "Aquadvanced" tool, sectorization strategies, and advanced leak detection technologies.

For instance, within the Casablanca and Mohammedia prefectures, SRM has established 31 specialized teams dedicated to leak detection and network sectorization. The action plan, initiated in October 2024, has successfully conserved over 3.5 million cubic meters of water by the end of February 2025. Approximately 19,500 kilometers of distribution networks have been assessed—nearly 2.5 times the total existing network length. Over four months, SRM has inspected nearly 7,900 kilometers of pipes, resulting in the detection and repair of 1,971 leaks.

Engaging the Community in Water Conservation

In support of sustainable development in the region, SRM Casablanca-Settat is actively engaging in awareness campaigns for water and environmental conservation. The company welcomes visits aimed at educating students, civil society representatives, and local officials about its infrastructure.

Since the beginning of the year, several guided tours of the wastewater treatment plant in Médiouna have been arranged for hundreds of students. These educational visits aim to raise awareness about the water cycle, particularly the value of reusing treated wastewater for irrigation, while encouraging participants to adopt eco-friendly practices for responsible water use.