Morocco Surpasses 170 Major Dams but Faces Two Major Challenges
Morocco is set to surpass the threshold of 170 large dams, underscoring the extent of its infrastructure development policy aimed at securing potable water supply, supporting agricultural irrigation, regulating floods, and generating hydroelectric energy.
The Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah dam, located about thirty kilometers from Rabat, exemplifies this strategic importance. Currently filled to 97%, this structure is essential for supplying water to the regions of Rabat-Salé and Casablanca, which contain a significant portion of the country’s population and economic activity.
A Strategic Network Under Climate Pressure
Despite the proliferation of dams—many of which have been built in recent decades—the Moroccan hydraulic system faces increasing pressure due to climate change, population growth, and evolving water needs.
According to available data, the country’s overall capacity has significantly increased thanks to new constructions and the elevation of certain dams. However, the variability of precipitation continues to affect storage levels, as observed between 2018 and 2023 during prolonged droughts.
Silting: A Phenomenon Reducing Storage Capacity
One of the main challenges remains silting, which annually reduces the storage capacity of dams due to the accumulation of sediments transported by erosion in the watersheds.
This natural phenomenon leads to an estimated loss of several tens of millions of cubic meters per year, complicating the sustainable management of water resources. However, solutions are being implemented, including the construction of upstream barriers, reforestation, and bank stabilization in partnership with specialized agencies.
Evaporation: A Loss Equivalent to a Large Dam
The second major challenge is evaporation, which is particularly significant in a country with a hot climate. Each year, approximately 640 million cubic meters of water evaporate from reservoirs, equivalent to the capacity of a large dam.
To mitigate these losses, authorities are exploring several avenues, including the installation of floating solar panels and the use of devices partially covering the surface of reservoirs to reduce direct exposure to the sun and wind.
Toward a More Resilient Water Management
In the face of these constraints, Morocco is continuing its efforts to strengthen the resilience of its hydraulic system, notably through the construction of new dams and the development of innovative solutions such as inter-basin transfers, already implemented to rebalance resources between regions.
