Recent rainfall across Morocco has significantly improved the country’s water situation, bringing the national average fill rate of dams to 49.44%, according to updated data released Tuesday by the Ministry of Equipment and Water.
Speaking to the Chamber of Councilors, Minister Nizar Baraka stated that the current dam storage level stands at 6.11 billion cubic meters, a notable improvement not seen in several years.
He highlighted that since the start of the water year, dams have received inflows totaling 3.785 billion cubic meters. Minister Baraka also noted a significant increase in snow cover, vital for replenishing groundwater, reaching over 34,000 km² compared to less than 9,900 km² during the same period last year. However, he cautioned that rainfall distribution remains uneven across the country.
Despite the improvement, which moves the situation from “severe” to “moderate” water stress, Baraka pointed out that rainfall is still 25% below the long-term average. Water resources are 45% better than last year, but an overall deficit of 58% compared to normal levels persists.
The Minister assured that current drinking water reserves are sufficient for the next 18 months, securing supply until summer 2025 for most areas, though southern provinces remain vulnerable. He added that some water basins now hold enough water for three years, potentially allowing for increased allocation to agricultural irrigation.
Morocco continues efforts to diversify water sources, particularly through seawater desalination. National desalination capacity has increased from 44 million cubic meters to over 300 million cubic meters, supported by new infrastructure projects like a pipeline from the Jorf Lasfar station to Marrakech and Benguerir.
Additionally, plans are progressing for a major water transfer project between the Abou Raqraq and Oum Er-Rbia basins, with a feasibility study expected to be completed by June.
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