An Integrated Conceptual Framework for Interconnected Dam Reservoirs Systems Implementation: A Case Study from Morocco

Water resources management is increasingly becoming a significant challenge on global and regional scales. Due to the spatiotemporal irregularity of rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, many countries have adopted water transfer systems between dam reservoirs located in water-excess areas towards reservoirs in deficit ones. However, considering the intricate difficulties involved in the implementation and management of Interconnected Dam Reservoir Systems (IDRS), it is necessary to conceptualize a holistic, integrated, coherent, and flexible approach allowing systematic and organized assessment and justification of those megaprojects. This paper presents such approach based on a detailed benchmark of criteria and methods proposed by the scientific community. The proposed approach highlights seven aspects to be studied namely justification of the real need, ecological and social impacts, resilience of the IDRS to climate change, economic viability, legal and regulatory considerations, and technical feasibility. This assessment process has been illustrated using a case study from the Water Transfer Project between Beni Mansour and Mohammed V dam reservoirs in Morocco. As a result, the work carried out will make it possible to better refine the studies in progress, conducted by the Water Department in Morocco, and to include this project in a sustainable development framework.