Morocco’s Dams: Storage Capacity and Challenges

Morocco has 148 dams spread across major water basins, with a total capacity exceeding 17.2 billion cubic meters. Some of the largest include Mohammed V Dam, Bin El Ouidane Dam, Al Mansour Ad-Dahbi Dam, Idriss I Dam, and Mohammed Ben Abdellah Dam.

Water storage distribution varies across the country’s basins, with some holding a significant share of total reserves, while others have lower storage levels.

According to official data, three dams in the Loukkos basin have reached 100% filling capacity: Nakhla Dam, Charif Idrissi Dam in Tetouan, and Chefchaouen Dam.

The Loukkos basin is the third largest in Morocco in terms of water resources, but it faces significant challenges due to current climatic conditions. The 2023-2024 hydrological year recorded a 3.2% drop in rainfall compared to the annual average, and dam water inflows suffered a total deficit of 52%.

To address these challenges, several projects are underway, including the transfer of surplus water from Oued El Makhazine Dam to Dar Khrofa Dam and the construction of Ghiss Dam in Al Hoceima province.

For the current year, the water situation remains tense, with continued rainfall shortages. As of now, dam water reserves amount to 4,052.53 million cubic meters, representing 25.14% of total capacity.

Despite these difficulties, the Loukkos Water Basin Agency emphasizes that ongoing projects will help enhance water supply for both the population and economic sectors.