Morocco Turns to the Sea: Aiming to Meet Half its Water Needs Through Desalination
Facing increasing morocco-august-2024/” title=”Water Supply Disruptions in Larache: Authorities Reveal Cause”>water scarcity, Morocco is making a bold move towards a sustainable future by investing heavily in desalination plants. The goal? To source a significant portion of its water supply from the ocean.
Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch recently announced that Morocco is accelerating the development of desalination plants across the country. This ambitious program aims to produce over 1.7 billion cubic meters of fresh water annually, enough to meet half of the nation’s growing water needs.
This strategic decision comes at a time when many countries, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, are grappling with the growing challenge of water scarcity. Climate change is exacerbating the situation, leading to more frequent and severe droughts. The World Resources Institute ranks Morocco among the countries facing “extremely high” levels of water stress. This means that more than 80% of the available water supply is withdrawn annually for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use, leaving ecosystems vulnerable and jeopardizing long-term water security.
Desalination, the process of removing salt and other minerals from seawater to make it suitable for human consumption and irrigation, is becoming an increasingly vital solution for water-stressed nations. While it was once considered a costly and energy-intensive process, technological advancements have made desalination more efficient and affordable in recent years.
Morocco’s commitment to desalination is part of a broader national water strategy that includes:
Improving water infrastructure: Modernizing existing water networks to reduce loss through leakage and inefficient irrigation practices.
Promoting water conservation: Raising public awareness about water conservation and implementing policies to encourage responsible water use in homes, businesses, and agriculture.
* Investing in wastewater treatment: Expanding wastewater treatment facilities to allow for the reuse of treated water for irrigation and industrial purposes.
Morocco’s ambitious plan to embrace desalination is a testament to its commitment to securing a water-resilient future. By diversifying its water sources and adopting innovative solutions, Morocco is setting an example for other nations facing similar challenges in a world grappling with the realities of climate change and increasing water scarcity.
