Bringing the waters to Casablanca

Demographic pressures, economic development, and climate change affect water availability in Morocco, which is rapidly approaching critical water scarcity. Casablanca, the largest urban center, relies almost exclusively on water sources from other regions. The two primary sources are the surface water stations of Bouregreg, fed by the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah dam near Rabat, and the water from the Al Massira dam south of Casablanca. However, due to the decreasing precipitation levels caused by climate change, these water stations will soon fail to provide the level of water required. Therefore, various public and private actors are implementing measures to ensure the continuity of water supply in alignment with Morocco’s National Water Plan. Among the proposed water production solutions are the development of seawater desalination plants and the construction of a canal to transfer water from another river to the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Dam. Unfortunately, these supply-side solutions can only be sustainable if they are complemented by the active enforcement of downstream measures, including improved water reuse efficiency and intelligent water consumption management.