Morocco's Innovative Response to Water Scarcity: Seawater Desalination Projects
Morocco is increasingly turning to seawater desalination as a vital solution to combat chronic drought and ensure water availability for its residents. In the village of Sidi Bouchta, a mobile desalination facility has been established to provide drinking water to approximately 45,000 people. This facility, located on Ras Bedouza beach, has become crucial as the Al Massira Dam, the region's primary water source, has dwindled to a mere 28% capacity after six consecutive years of drought.
The Moroccan government has equipped 44 mobile desalination stations since April 2023, with plans for an additional 219 to serve around 3 million rural residents. These stations can produce between 360 to 3,600 cubic meters of water daily, offering a cost-effective solution at about $1.3 million per unit. The desalinated water is treated and transported daily to nearby villages, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water sources in the face of ongoing water stress.
The situation in Sidi Bouchta reflects a broader trend across Morocco, where the agriculture sector, which consumes over 80% of the country’s water resources, is increasingly reliant on desalinated water. The Ministry of Equipment and Water has allocated nearly 25% of the desalinated water from 12 stations to agriculture in 2023, emphasizing the dual role of desalination in addressing both drinking water needs and agricultural demands.
As the country braces for continued drought conditions, with forecasts predicting an 11% decline in rainfall and a temperature rise of 1.3 degrees by 2050, Morocco is ramping up its desalination efforts. Authorities are also constructing new plants, particularly in major cities like Casablanca and Rabat, to mitigate the looming threat of water scarcity. King Mohammed VI has set ambitious goals, aiming to produce over 1.7 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2030 through desalination, covering more than half of Morocco’s potable water needs and supporting agricultural irrigation.
In conclusion, Morocco's proactive approach to seawater desalination not only addresses immediate water shortages but also sets a precedent for sustainable water management in regions facing similar climatic challenges.
