Casablanca – Morocco is intensifying its efforts to confront growing water scarcity by rolling out a broad set of structural, technological, and governance reforms aimed at securing drinking water supplies and improving the resilience of its water management system. Faced with prolonged drought, declining groundwater reserves, and steadily rising demand, the country is transitioning from reactive crisis management toward a more anticipatory and integrated approach to water security.

Over the past decade, climate change has significantly altered Morocco’s hydrological balance. Rainfall has become more irregular, surface water resources have diminished, and aquifers in several regions have come under severe pressure due to overextraction and pollution. At the same time, population growth, urban expansion, industrial activity, and agricultural needs have increased demand for potable water, particularly in large urban centers and coastal areas.

Strengthening institutional coordination and governance

At the institutional level, Moroccan authorities have prioritized reforms to improve coordination and operational efficiency across the water sector. The creation of regional multiservice companies represents a key shift in governance, aiming to unify the management of water, electricity, and sanitation services at the regional level. This model is designed to reduce fragmentation, improve service continuity, and align infrastructure planning with regional needs.

Within this framework, the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) plays a central role in ensuring nationwide coherence, particularly in the production and bulk supply of drinking water. The Office has focused on reinforcing its planning and oversight capacities to respond more effectively to both chronic water stress and sudden disruptions.

Protecting water resources at their source

One of the most critical pillars of Morocco’s water strategy involves protecting water resources at their points of origin. Extensive diagnostic studies have been conducted across major river basins to assess the condition of groundwater abstraction points, surface water intakes, and reservoirs. These assessments have identified zones most exposed to pollution, overexploitation, and climate-related risks.

Based on these findings, protection measures are being designed to safeguard aquifers, springs, dams, and river intakes. The objective is to reduce contamination risks, slow resource depletion, and preserve water quality before it reaches treatment and distribution systems. Particular attention is being given to vulnerable areas where urban effluents, agricultural runoff, or industrial activity pose a direct threat to drinking water sources.

Digital transformation and real-time monitoring

A major component of the current reform effort is the modernization of water management through digital tools. Authorities are moving to replace decades-old, fragmented monitoring systems with a unified digital platform capable of aggregating and analyzing data in real time.

This platform is intended to centralize technical, environmental, and operational data from across the national water network, from treatment plants to distribution points. By doing so, operators will gain a consolidated view of system performance, enabling faster detection of anomalies such as drops in water levels, quality degradation, or accidental pollution events.

The deployment of intelligent sensors at high-risk abstraction points will further enhance early warning capabilities. These technologies are expected to improve response times during extreme events, including droughts, floods, or contamination incidents, thereby reducing service interruptions and public health risks.

Diversifying supply sources

In parallel with protection and monitoring efforts, Morocco continues to diversify its water supply sources to reduce dependence on rainfall. Desalination has become a strategic option, particularly in coastal regions, while non-conventional resources such as treated wastewater reuse are being gradually expanded for agricultural and industrial purposes.

These measures are intended to relieve pressure on freshwater resources traditionally reserved for drinking water. By reallocating non-potable uses toward alternative sources, authorities aim to preserve high-quality water for domestic consumption.

Reducing losses and improving efficiency

Another priority area is the reduction of technical and commercial losses within water distribution networks. Aging infrastructure has historically contributed to significant water losses, undermining supply security. Investments are therefore being directed toward network rehabilitation, leak detection, and pressure management.

At the same time, energy optimization has become a key consideration, given the close link between water production and electricity consumption. Improving efficiency across pumping, treatment, and distribution systems is expected to reduce operational costs while supporting environmental sustainability.

Capacity building and stakeholder involvement

Beyond infrastructure and technology, Morocco’s water strategy places strong emphasis on human capital and coordination. Training programs are being developed to strengthen technical skills among water sector professionals and ensure effective use of new digital tools.

Coordination mechanisms are also being reinforced between public institutions, local authorities, agricultural operators, and industrial stakeholders. This collaborative approach reflects the recognition that water security cannot be achieved by a single actor, but requires shared responsibility across sectors.

Toward long-term water resilience

Taken together, these measures signal a strategic shift in how Morocco addresses water challenges. Rather than focusing solely on emergency responses to drought, the country is laying the foundations for a more resilient, data-driven, and preventive water management model.

As climate uncertainty continues to shape the region’s future, the success of these reforms will depend not only on infrastructure and technology, but also on sustained governance, efficient implementation, and responsible water use across society. Through this comprehensive approach, Morocco aims to secure drinking water supplies while adapting to one of its most pressing long-term challenges.