Urban water security in Constantine province Algeria under demographic growth, climate change and sustainable water management approaches

Abstract Constantine Province, located in the semi-arid region of north-eastern Algeria, is experiencing increasing water resource stress driven by rapid urban expansion, population growth and intensifying climate change impacts. By 2025, the population is projected to reach approaximately 1.2 million inhabitants, while the average daily production of drinking water production capacity is estimated at 355,000 m 3 . The annual population growth rate is estimated at 1.5%, whereas urban water demand is projected to increase by approaximately 2% annually over the coming decades. Despite major infrastructural investments, particularly the mobilisation of water from the Béni Haroun Dam, persistent spatial disparities in water distribution, high leakage rates and management inefficiencies continue to undermine water security across municipalities. Projections indicate that, by 2050, daily water demand could reach approaximately 440,000 m 3 to supply a population of nearly 1.76 million, thereby intensifying pressure on existing infrastructure and available resources. Without targeted interventions, daily losses could exceed 100,000 m 3 , which would seriously affect the region’s water balance and resilience. Using an integrated analytical approach to Water Resources Management (IWRM), climate adaptation and urban sustainability, this study evaluates the key challenges facing Constantine’s urban water system and proposes strategic pathways to ensure long-term water security.