Greta Jimenez
Water pollution is a pressing issue in Morocco, with a range of factors contributing to the problem. The country's water resources are affected by pollution from domestic and industrial wastewater, fertiliser and pesticide use, and soil erosion. These issues are exacerbated by a growing population, urbanisation, and the impacts of climate change, including reduced rainfall and more frequent droughts. Water pollution has significant implications for human health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability in Morocco, highlighting the urgent need for effective water management and pollution control measures.
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What You'll Learn
Water pollution and waterborne diseases
Morocco is facing critical levels of water pollution, which poses a serious challenge to the country's water resources management. The quality of both superficial and groundwater resources is affected by domestic and industrial wastewater, leakage of fertilizers and phytosanitary products, soil erosion, and the transport of sediments. This has led to high concentrations of pollutants such as phosphorus, ammonia, organic matter, and coliform in several water streams and basins. The situation is particularly critical in the Sebou basin, which constitutes 30% of Morocco's water resources.
Water pollution has severe health implications, as it increases the risk of waterborne diseases. These diseases are caused by tiny organisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as chemicals and heavy metals that contaminate water supplies. Consuming contaminated water, washing food with it, or even swimming or bathing in it can lead to minor or serious illnesses and can be life-threatening in some cases. Children are especially vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
Morocco has experienced annual rain deficits since 2015, leading to reduced water supply and groundwater recharge. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), Morocco ranked 22nd among countries most at risk of water shortages. The decreasing water availability, coupled with poor water quality, exacerbates the risk of waterborne diseases.
To address these challenges, Morocco implemented the "National Water Plan" (PNE) in 2020, with an investment of nearly $40 billion into the water sector. The plan includes constructing dams, searching for new groundwater sources, desalination stations, and improving potable water supply in rural areas. Additionally, the "National Priority Program for Drinking Water and Irrigation" (NPP), with a budget of $11 billion, focuses on reducing climate impacts and guaranteeing water security.
While these initiatives are positive steps towards improving water availability and quality in Morocco, the country continues to face significant challenges in managing water resources and preventing waterborne diseases, especially in the wake of natural disasters such as earthquakes, which can destroy water infrastructure and further increase the risk of waterborne illnesses.
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Industrial and agricultural pollution
Morocco's water resources are being polluted by industrial and agricultural activities. The country's watercourses are facing critical levels of pollution, with several water streams having high concentrations of phosphorus, ammonia, organic matter, and high coliform counts. The Sebou basin, which constitutes 30% of water resources, is heavily polluted by untreated industrial and municipal discharge and agricultural runoff. The two main rivers, Sebou and Oum er-Rbia, experience critical situations several times a year.
Industrial wastewater conveys approximately 140,000 tons of oxidizable materials annually, with almost 40% released into the environment. Most industrial activities, such as agro-food, leather, paper mills, and textiles, are located on the Atlantic coast in Kenitra-Safi and in the cities of Fez, Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, and Meknes. These industries contribute to water pollution by discharging untreated wastewater containing harmful substances.
Agricultural pollution, mainly from the use of fertilizers and pesticides, is another major concern. On average, 720,000 tons of fertilizer and 8,500 tons of pesticides are applied annually to cultivated areas in Morocco. This has led to high levels of nitrates and phosphorus in the water, as well as pesticide residues.
The combination of industrial and agricultural activities has resulted in a deterioration of water quality in Morocco, posing risks to both the environment and human health. These issues are further exacerbated by the country's limited renewable water sources and the increasing population, putting a strain on water resources.
To address these challenges, Morocco has implemented various measures, such as the "National Water Plan" in 2020, with an investment of nearly $40 billion into the water sector. The plan includes constructing dams, searching for new groundwater sources, and improving wastewater treatment and reuse. However, more efforts are needed to reduce the impact of industrial and agricultural pollution on Morocco's water resources.
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Water scarcity and drought
Morocco has faced annual rain deficits since 2015, resulting in weak runoffs, reduced water supply to dams, and diminished groundwater recharge. This has led to chronic water shortages in regions that rely solely on local supply systems. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), Morocco ranks 22nd among countries most at risk of water shortages. The water per capita has significantly decreased from 2,560m3 in the 1960s to 606 m3 currently and is expected to further decline to 500m3/capita/year by 2030.
The decreasing water availability in Morocco is attributed to several factors, including environmental changes, a growing population, and overextraction of groundwater for agriculture. Agriculture is the largest water user in Morocco, accounting for 86% of total water withdrawals. However, it has a low efficiency rate of 48%, indicating significant water losses. The overextraction of groundwater has led to a decline in production capacity, with extraction rates decreasing from 30-35 litres per second to around 20 litres per second in the Fez-Meknès region.
The critical need for modern infrastructure and advanced control and monitoring of water distribution systems is evident in addressing water scarcity in many Moroccan regions. Local officials in the Fez-Meknès region have raised funds to support projects providing drinking water, such as the Meknès-Boufakrane water pipeline. The European Investment Bank has also provided several loans to improve water and sanitation in Morocco, amounting to €181 million in 2023.
To address the water scarcity issue, Morocco implemented the "National Water Plan" (PNE) in 2020, allocating nearly $40 billion to the water sector. The plan includes the construction of 20 dams with a total capacity of 5.38 billion cubic meters, the search for new groundwater sources, the construction of desalination stations, and the integration of rural centres into structured drinking water supply systems. The National Priority Program for Drinking Water and Irrigation (NPP), a subset of the PNE, aims to reduce climate impacts and guarantee water security.
Successive drought years have exacerbated the water scarcity issue in Morocco, with 2022 experiencing the worst drought in four decades. The droughts have particularly affected regions that rely exclusively on local supply systems, causing chronic shortages. The connection of hydraulic basins through inter-basin water transfer projects is crucial for flexible and integrated water management between areas with varying water resource availability.
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Water infrastructure and management
Legislative and Institutional Reforms
Morocco has adopted several legislative measures and institutional reforms to improve water management and regulation. The 1995 Water Law provides a comprehensive framework for integrated water management, promoting more efficient water use and mobilization to align with the country's socio-economic development aspirations. This law introduced principles such as public ownership of water, uniform water management, recognition of the fight against water pollution, and the adoption of the user-pays and polluter-pays principles.
In 2016, an additional law, Law 36-15, was enacted to complement the 1995 Water Law. This new law aims to promote effective water governance by simplifying procedures and strengthening the legal framework for water reuse and seawater desalination. It also establishes mechanisms for protecting water resources and improving resilience to climate change-induced extreme events.
Investment in Infrastructure Projects
Morocco has prioritized water infrastructure development to address water scarcity and pollution issues. In 2020, the country launched the National Water Plan (PNE), allocating nearly $40 billion to the water sector. This plan includes various initiatives, such as the construction of dams, the search for new groundwater sources, the development of desalination stations, and the improvement of potable water supply in rural areas.
The National Office of Electricity and Water (ONEE), a state-owned company, plays a crucial role in investing in strategic and structural projects for potable water and wastewater management. Additionally, private companies in Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier are responsible for potable water delivery and distribution.
Impact of Water Pollution on Infrastructure
Water pollution in Morocco is primarily attributed to domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities. The Sebou basin, constituting 30% of water resources, is heavily polluted by untreated industrial and municipal discharge and agricultural runoff, with high levels of nitrates, phosphorus, and pesticide residues. This pollution has far-reaching consequences, affecting both surface water and groundwater quality.
Future Challenges and Goals
Morocco aims to increase water storage capacity by constructing 50 large dams by 2050, connecting hydraulic basins to ensure flexible and integrated water management between regions, and promoting the desalination of seawater. Additionally, the country is committed to integrating all rural centers into a structured drinking water supply system and providing the necessary water resources for sustainable agriculture.
International Cooperation
Morocco has actively engaged with the international community to address water-related challenges. The country voted in favor of UN resolutions recognizing the human right to clean and safe drinking water. Additionally, organizations like USAID and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization have collaborated with Morocco to improve sanitation, hygiene practices, and drought monitoring systems.
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Climate change and rainfall decline
Morocco is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly due to its geographical location. The country is already experiencing more erratic rainfall patterns, with longer and more intense rainfall in October and November, causing floods, and substantial reductions during the rest of the year. Annual rainfall is projected to continue decreasing over the 21st century, with projections showing a 10-20% decrease across the country, and a 30% decrease in the Saharan region by 2100.
The impact of rainfall decline on Morocco's water resources is significant. Morocco's water resources are characterised by spatial and temporal scarcity and irregularity and are already under increasing pressure from population growth, the expansion of irrigated agriculture, and urban, industrial, and tourism development. The combination of declining rainfall and these existing pressures will further strain water resources, leading to potential water shortages and impacting various sectors of the economy.
The agricultural sector, which is heavily reliant on rainfall, will be particularly affected by rainfall decline. Agriculture accounts for 40% of Morocco's workforce and 17.7% of its GDP. Declining rainfall will result in reduced water availability for irrigation, impacting crop yields and agricultural production. This, in turn, can have economic implications, as agriculture contributes significantly to Morocco's economy.
To address the challenges posed by rainfall decline and climate change, Morocco has implemented several measures. These include the "National Water Plan" (PNE), which aims to invest nearly $40 billion in the water sector, and the National Priority Program for Drinking Water and Irrigation (NPP), which focuses on reducing climate impacts and guaranteeing water security through various projects, such as the construction of dams, desalination stations, and water transfer networks.
Additionally, Morocco has recognised the importance of adaptation and has included it in its climate change policies. The country aims to develop a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) up to 2030 to better coordinate its actions and maximise their impact in adapting to changing rainfall patterns and water scarcity.
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Frequently asked questions
Water pollution in Morocco puts Moroccans at a high risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as gastrointestinal infections, malaria, and typhoid.
The main sources of water pollution in Morocco are domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities. Domestic wastewater, containing organic materials, is often discharged into the environment untreated. Industrial activities located on the Atlantic coast also contribute to water pollution, with approximately 40% of industrial wastewater being released into the environment. Agricultural pollution, mainly from the use of fertilizers and pesticides, further contaminates water resources.
Morocco has implemented various measures to address water pollution and improve water management. This includes adopting a new water law in 1995, which provides a comprehensive framework for integrated water management. The country has also prioritized access to drinking water and implemented the "National Water Plan" in 2020, investing nearly $40 billion into the water sector. Additionally, Morocco has set a target of 52% renewable energy by 2030 and is working on initiatives linking water, sanitation, and energy.
