Rabat – The rainfall recorded over recent weeks has slightly eased pressure on Morocco’s water reserves, bringing a measurable improvement after years of acute scarcity.
Updated figures from the “maadialna” platform show that dams nationwide are now filled at 33.6%, a noticeable rise compared to the same period last year.
Total stored volumes currently stand at about 5.64 billion cubic meters, pointing to a cautious recovery rather than a full turnaround.
The improvement is uneven across the country. Northern basins have benefited the most from recent precipitation. In the Loukkos basin, dam levels have climbed to nearly half of total capacity, with some structures reaching full storage and others approaching maximum levels.
This contrasts with previous seasons, when the area was not spared from prolonged shortages.
The Sebou basin, which plays a central role in supplying drinking water and sustaining large agricultural zones, has also recorded stronger figures.
Several dams are operating at high levels, pushing the basin’s overall filling rate above 40%. While this marks a clear step forward, it does not fully offset earlier deficits accumulated during dry years.
Elsewhere, the picture remains more fragile. The Oum Er-Rbia basin continues to struggle with low reserves, despite full storage in a few smaller dams. Limited volumes in its major reservoirs continue to constrain water availability in one of the country’s most water-dependent regions.
Strong contrasts are also visible between other basins. The Bouregreg basin stands out with high storage levels, largely due to the performance of the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah dam, a key source for urban water supply in Rabat and Casablanca.
In contrast, the Souss-Massa basin remains under sustained pressure, with dam levels still well below comfortable thresholds, reflecting the region’s structural exposure to drought.
Central and southern basins show moderate recovery. The Moulouya and Drâa-Oued Noun basins have posted filling rates close to 30%, while the Tensift basin reports a relatively higher percentage, though overall volumes remain limited.
Overall, water resources have increased by nearly 17% compared to 2024, offering cautious optimism. However, the figures also underline the persistence of long-term challenges.
Regional imbalances, rising demand from cities and agriculture, and unpredictable rainfall patterns continue to test Morocco’s water security.
The recent rains have provided breathing space, but they do not remove the need for careful management and sustained efforts to secure water supplies over the long term.
