Water Conservation Efforts in Fes-Meknes Region of Morocco
In response to the escalating water stress crisis affecting Morocco, particularly in the Fes-Meknes region, local authorities have enacted a series of proactive measures aimed at regulating and optimizing the use of available water resources. These initiatives are designed to align closely with the agricultural and service-oriented characteristics unique to each province within the region. The aim is to ensure sustainable management of both groundwater and surface water resources, thereby safeguarding the vital ecosystems that depend on them.
Specific Measures Across Provinces
In Meknes, regional authorities have imposed direct restrictions on water-intensive activities. This includes a complete ban on the cultivation of natural grass in green spaces and restrictions on watering sports fields and public gardens with potable water. Additionally, the operation of public baths and car wash stations has been limited to just four days a week, compelling operators to adopt modern techniques that effectively conserve water usage.
Meanwhile, in the province of Hajeb, strict enforcement actions have been initiated to protect water resources. Repair works on the structural faults of distribution and production networks for drinking and irrigation water have been launched, alongside the installation of water-saving devices. The authorities have also prohibited drilling wells and exploratory boreholes without proper legal authorization, banned the extraction of water from springs and public networks, and restricted service activities to minimize the washing of trucks and machinery with potable water. Moreover, the filling of swimming pools is now restricted to just once a year.
In the Boulemane province, an emergency plan has focused on safeguarding public water supply systems. A total prohibition on the use of drinking water for washing vehicles or cleaning streets has been enforced, alongside a complete ban on its use for irrigation purposes. This comes with intensified monitoring and strict regulations regarding connections from main distribution channels to prevent waste and ensure that supplies are directed toward essential uses.
In Taounate, the provincial decisions are prioritizing agricultural and service needs. Similar to other provinces, the cultivation of natural grass and the irrigation of sports fields and gardens with drinking water has been prohibited, with swimming pool filling restricted to once annually. Bathhouses and car wash stations are also limited to four working days each week, with local officials empowered to set opening and closing times. Furthermore, water-intensive crops are banned, and there is a push to encourage alternative strategic crops such as grains and fodder for milk production.
Lastly, in Moulay Yacoub, authorities have enacted stringent restrictions to curb wasteful practices and illegal exploitation of resources. The decisions encompass a complete ban on the cultivation of natural grass, restrictions on watering gardens and sports facilities, and prohibiting the cleaning of public roads with potable water. Moreover, the extraction of water from springs and wells without prior licensing is strictly controlled, and the filling of swimming pools is mandated to occur only once each year. Public baths and car wash establishments are also limited to operating four days per week, with campaigns aimed at promoting sustainable water-saving practices among stakeholders.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
