Hydraulic Highways: Morocco Accelerates the Interconnection of Dams to Address Water Stress
Title: Morocco’s Water Management Strategy: Connecting Sahla and Bouhouda Dams
As Morocco confronts escalating water stress and dwindling water resources, the country is advancing its strategy for "hydraulic highways." The goal is to better allocate available resources between the resource-rich northern regions and the more arid areas of the Kingdom.
In alignment with this initiative, the Sebou Hydraulic Basin Agency is preparing a study on the interconnection between the Sahla and Bouhouda dams, located in the Taounate province. This project signifies a new phase in modernizing water management in Morocco and optimizing hydraulic storage capacities.
The rationale behind this project highlights the current imbalances. The Sahla dam possesses significant storage capacity compared to the natural water inflows it receives annually. Conversely, the Bouhouda dam experiences inflows that far exceed its current capacity, frequently leading to spills during wet periods.
A substantial portion of these excess volumes ultimately flows downstream to the Al Wahda dam without any direct benefit for regional reserves. The proposed interconnection aims to redistribute these resources more effectively, enhancing the overall management of the Sebou basin.
The project’s importance is further underscored by the planned elevation of the Bouhouda dam, already scheduled by authorities. This expansion will increase site capacity and enhance the feasibility of a transfer system that can better utilize available water volumes.
The study developed by the Sebou Hydraulic Basin Agency is structured around two main components. The first involves hydrological modeling of the system through several scenarios that include the current situation, the effects of the interconnection, the future dam elevation, and the impacts of climate change.
Simulations will assess the sustainably transferable volumes and evaluate the system’s resilience during drought years.
The second component focuses on the technical aspects of the upcoming project. It includes topographical studies, pipeline routing, hydraulic sizing, analysis of pumping station needs, and the design of additional structures required for water transfer.
An environmental study will complement the overall analysis to assess the project’s impact on ecosystems and affected territories.
One of the key features of this study is the direct integration of climate change in the simulations. Experts will need to account for various assumptions related to decreased rainfall, increased drought frequency, and substantial variability in water resources.
This approach signifies a significant evolution in Moroccan water policy. Infrastructure is no longer designed solely based on past climatic conditions but must now anticipate a future characterized by increasing pressure on water resources.
Morocco is currently experiencing structural water stress following several consecutive years of drought. This situation compels authorities to accelerate investments in seawater desalination, hydraulic transfers, and optimization of existing dams.
The Sahla-Bouhouda interconnection is precisely in line with this strategy for better management of available resources.
Beyond the project itself, this initiative reflects a profound change in dam management in Morocco. The adopted approach is now based on an integrated vision of hydraulic basins, where infrastructures operate as a coordinated system rather than as isolated projects.
This method aligns with advanced international water management models, particularly those developed in Spain and Australia after prolonged drought periods.
Ultimately, the results of the study will determine the technical and economic feasibility of the project. If the findings are favorable, Morocco could embark on constructing a new strategic hydraulic infrastructure aimed at sustainably enhancing the water security of the northern regions of the Kingdom.
