The main objective of this project is to find an alternative to the current overexploitation of the groundwater, which records an annual deficit of 100 million m3/year. The contribution of surface water is considered as an alternative to limit the pressure on groundwater. The average annual volume to be transferred is about 125 Mm 3.
Indeed, the water from the dam would make it possible to serve a priority area of 30,000 ha, and to meet several objectives:
of which the two most important are as follows:
- Stop the progressive and rapid depletion of the Saïss groundwater, caused by:
- The irregularity and decrease in rainfall leading to an overuse of groundwater;
- The farmers’ unrestricted pumping behavior, thus increasing the overexploitation of groundwater.
- Enable agricultural development based on better irrigation water productivity;
- Consistency :
- Water intake from the Mdez dam
- 3 conveyance tunnels of 5 km
- 3200 mm diameter main pipeline over 60 km
- 2 water drainage and filtration works
- Transport and distribution network for irrigation water
- Location: : Fez, Moulay Yaacoub, Sefrou, Meknes, El Hajeb et Ifrane
- Area: 30.000 Ha
- Water resources: 125 Mm³ from Medz dam
