Author(s): Mounia El Azhari; Dalila Loudyi
Linked Author(s): Dalila Loudyi
Keywords: No keywords
Abstract: The aquifers of Oum Er Rbia basin show a significant imbalance between the groundwater input and output because of their overexploitation for agriculture and drinking water uses. Indeed, in 2012, groundwater extractions reached 608 million m 3 while groundwater potential was only 347 million m 3, yielding a deficit of nearly 300 million m 3. Moreover, climate change will have a certain impact on the future of these resources. Recent studies predicted an increase in the mean annual temperature ranging between 0.1 and 1.4? C by the period 2010–2030, and a decrease in the average annual rainfall of about 200 mm. The demand for irrigation water and drinking water will yet increase given the population growth coupled with progressive economic development. Climate change will adversely have an impact on aquifers recharge and the level of their water table, and consequently, the gap between supply and demand will increasingly rise. Groundwater models that take into account regional climate scenarios, are necessary to predict the potential impacts of climate change on groundwater resources sustainability. In this work, a reflection on a more efficient and sustainable management of groundwater resources in the Oum Er Rabia basin will be presented. The primary goal is to fill the gap between water supply and demand through climate change adaptation actions, in particular, the use of non-conventional water resources such as desalination of sea water, reuse of treated wastewater, rainwater harvesting, optimization of irrigation infrastructures and the adoption of projects of water transfer from other national basins with excess water.
Year: 2016