The water situation in Morocco has significantly improved over the past few months, driven by abundant rainfall and exceptional snowfall. According to data presented by the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, before the Chamber of Councillors, cumulative water contributions reached 4.07 billion cubic meters between September and January 20, with nearly 3.6 billion cubic meters recorded during the last forty days.
Cumulative rainfall during the same period was recorded at 121.5 millimeters, representing an increase of 114% compared to the previous year. This level also exceeds the average observed between 1990 and 2020 by 24%. In addition to sustained rainfall, significant snowfall contributed considerably to the replenishment of national water resources.
The impact of these favorable climatic conditions is reflected in a notable improvement in the filling rates of dams, which rose from 28% to 48% in just a few months. Several basins recorded significant increases, enhancing storage capacities and improving water resource availability.
According to the minister, this development allowed the country to regain an average of an additional year of drinking water reserves nationally, although disparities exist among water basins, ranging from one to three years of water security. This improvement offers a welcome respite in a context marked by prolonged water stress in recent years.
Nizar Baraka also emphasized that this conjunctural improvement is accompanied by the continuation of key projects initiated by the Kingdom within the framework of the National Water Plan for 2050. These efforts focus on accelerating dam projects, interconnecting basins, developing seawater desalination, and mobilizing unconventional water resources to sustainably enhance Morocco’s water security in the face of climate variability.