Morocco plans to eliminate the use of potable water in industrial sectors by 2030, according to Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour. The government is shifting industrial requirements toward desalination and treated wastewater to preserve drinking water reserves amid rising national water stress. Officials have scaled infrastructure from 28 to 280 treatment plants to meet these efficiency goals.
How is Morocco changing industrial water policy?
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has mandated that all new industrial projects incorporate water-efficiency designs from the outset. According to Minister Ryad Mezzour, the government no longer approves industrial investments that lack a clear strategy for optimizing water consumption. This policy shift aims to decouple industrial growth from the depletion of public drinking water supplies.
Morocco’s water treatment infrastructure has expanded tenfold in recent years, growing from 28 facilities to over 280 active plants today.
What is the target for the chemical sector?
The chemical industry faces the strictest deadline under the new ministerial roadmap. Minister Mezzour stated the government aims for “zero use of drinking water” in the chemical sector by 2030. To achieve this, the state is pushing companies to adopt alternative sources, primarily through the reuse of treated wastewater or the construction of dedicated desalination units.
How will companies without private treatment systems adapt?
For businesses unable to fund individual water treatment systems, the government plans to develop shared infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Industry, this collective approach ensures that smaller firms can access non-potable water sources without the prohibitive capital expenditure of building private desalination plants. This strategy mirrors broader regional efforts to modernize national water infrastructure through international financing, such as recent agreements with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Which industries face the most immediate pressure?
The leather and olive oil industries are currently primary targets for water pollution reduction and efficiency upgrades. Minister Mezzour noted that these sectors have significant environmental footprints, requiring targeted interventions to manage wastewater quality. By strengthening the capacity of these specific industries, the government intends to reduce the contamination of existing water reserves.
Industrial operators should monitor upcoming government tenders for shared wastewater treatment infrastructure, as these projects may offer lower-cost compliance routes for smaller enterprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these changes affect the price of industrial goods?
While the transition requires significant investment in desalination and treatment, the government frames these costs as necessary to prevent the long-term economic instability caused by water scarcity.
Is the 2030 target mandatory for all industries?
The Ministry of Industry has specifically highlighted the chemical sector for the “zero drinking water” goal, though water efficiency is now a core requirement for all new industrial investment projects.
How much water is currently being treated?
According to official figures, current facilities process nearly 58 million cubic meters of water, with capacity projected to reach 100 million cubic meters in the coming years.
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