Casablanca – Morocco is intensifying its efforts to confront one of its most pressing challenges: water scarcity. Faced with declining rainfall, prolonged droughts, and growing demand from households, agriculture, and industry, the government has developed a multi-pronged strategy to secure water resources and reduce dependence on increasingly limited natural supplies. Central to this plan are significant investments in rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and the modernization of water infrastructure, all aimed at safeguarding the country’s long-term water security.

At the heart of this approach is a nationwide rainwater collection and enhancement program launched by the Ministry of Equipment and Water. Minister Nizar Baraka confirmed that the government allocates around $8.25 million every year for projects designed to capture and store rainwater in areas most affected by water shortages. These projects are particularly focused on regions lacking permanent surface or groundwater resources, where traditional water systems can no longer meet growing needs.

Since the program’s inception, 187 rainwater projects have been completed across the country. Key provinces benefiting from these initiatives include Tiznit, Agadir, Chtouka Ait Baha, Taroudant, Chefchaouen, Es-Smara, Zagora, Ouarzazate, Guelmim, Sidi Ifni, Rhamna, Safi, Youssoufia, Tétouan, M’diq-Fnideq, and Khouribga. Completed infrastructure includes 159 storage reservoirs and cisterns, 23 rooftop rainwater collection systems, and five groundwater recharge thresholds that help replenish underground aquifers.

The work is far from over. An additional 103 projects are currently under construction, featuring 85 new storage tanks, 15 rooftop collection systems in schools, and three artificial recharge structures. Once completed and tested, these installations will be handed over to hydraulic basin agencies or local municipalities for ongoing operation and maintenance, ensuring that the infrastructure remains functional and efficient.

Preliminary results show that these efforts are already producing measurable benefits. According to the ministry, water consumption in several participating areas has fallen by roughly 30%, thanks to both the availability of collected rainwater and complementary campaigns encouraging responsible water use. This reduction represents a critical step in preserving Morocco’s scarce water resources and supports broader goals of sustainable development.

Beyond rainwater harvesting, the government is also promoting the reuse of treated water and the development of alternative sources. The National Water Plan includes measures to recycle collected rainwater for irrigation of public parks, private gardens, and sports facilities, as well as for limited domestic uses. In addition, certain industrial processes that do not require drinking-quality water will be encouraged to rely on these alternative supplies, reducing pressure on potable water systems.

Long-term projections highlight the importance of these efforts. By 2050, rainwater harvesting and reuse initiatives are expected to save as much as 300 million cubic meters of drinking water every year, easing the strain on reservoirs, rivers, and underground aquifers. These savings are particularly significant as Morocco continues to experience rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable rainfall due to climate change.

To ensure the success of these projects, technical studies are carried out for each installation to calculate potential water savings. These assessments take into account local rainfall patterns, rooftop surface areas, slope, orientation, and construction materials. Regular maintenance of filtration and storage systems is also essential, as the efficiency of each device depends on proper upkeep to minimize water loss during collection, transportation, and storage.

While rainwater harvesting is a flagship initiative, it forms part of a broader water management strategy that includes expanding desalination capacity, upgrading irrigation networks, and improving the efficiency of urban water distribution systems. Large-scale desalination plants are being built along the Atlantic coast to supply coastal cities and agricultural zones, while modern irrigation techniques are being introduced to reduce waste in farming, which accounts for more than 80% of Morocco’s water use.

The government’s investments underscore a growing recognition that water security is fundamental to Morocco’s economic and social stability. By combining rainwater collection, wastewater reuse, desalination, and public awareness campaigns, the country aims to build resilience against climate pressures and ensure reliable access to water for future generations.

Morocco’s experience illustrates how targeted investments, and innovative policies can help nations facing severe water stress adapt to changing environmental realities. With annual funding of around $8.25 million for rainwater projects and long-term savings projected to reach 300 million cubic meters per year, the kingdom is positioning itself as a regional example of how to transform water scarcity from a looming crisis into an opportunity for sustainable development.