Morocco's dam water reserves have continued to improve as the summer season approaches, with overall capacity reaching 35% as of mid-May 2026, according to the Ministry of Equipment and Water. This marks a notable increase from previous months, driven by significant rainfall in March and April.
Key dams such as Al Massira and Bin El Ouidane have seen substantial inflows, with Al Massira rising to 25% capacity and Bin El Ouidane to 40%. The total volume of water stored in the country's 149 large dams now stands at approximately 5.6 billion cubic meters, up from 4.2 billion cubic meters in early 2026.
Despite the improvement, water experts caution that the reserves remain below the 10-year average of 45% for this time of year. The government has implemented measures to manage water usage, including restrictions on agricultural irrigation in some regions.
Rainfall in the first quarter of 2026 was 30% above the seasonal average, particularly benefiting the Sebou and Oum Er-Rbia basins. However, southern regions continue to face drought conditions, with dams in the Souss-Massa region at only 15% capacity.
Authorities urge continued conservation efforts as summer demand is expected to rise. The Ministry plans to invest in desalination plants and wastewater treatment to bolster water security in the long term.
