Evolution of water resources in a context of variability and climate change: Case of the Bouregreg and Chaouia watershed

Abstract

The Bouregreg and Chaouia river basin is one of basins most affected by variability and climate change. The insufficient rainfall recorded over the last decade had a considerable impact on the availability of water resources. The Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah dam reservoir has been characterized by a downward trend. And, if we add to this, the excessive use of this reservoir by a population exceeding 8,356,829 inhabitants, The dam alone no longer has the capacity to supply drinking and industrial water to the coastal cities from Kenitra to Casablanca. The main objective of this study is to quantify the rainfall deficit, statistically monitor spatio-temporal trends in precipitation in the Bouregreg and Chaouia watersheds, detect their impact on the evolution of surface water resources (1991-2024), and to highlight the strategy adopted to face water scarcity in the basin's large cities. The adoption of a cross-methodological approach based on descriptive statistics and spatial remote sensing made it possible to determine the main drought sequences, monitor the spatio-temporal trends in rainfall indices, and map the surface area occupied by water at the SMBA dam. The results obtained reveal a remarkably visible water shortage throughout the basin due to multiple climatic and anthropogenic factors.