Survey on Water Source Classification based on users’ opinions: Case of the Al-Hoceima region, Northern Morocco

Abstract

The purpose of the water sources study according to the opinion of the users in the region of Al-Hoceima, is to present a classification of investigated sources according to physico-chemical and microbiological quality, and to compare the obtained results with the sanitary survey taken from users. The region’s groundwater is known for its low piezometry and, consequently, for its easy and uncontrolled exploitation. Indeed, the lack of drinking water supply in several rural areas or among some vulnerable categories of the population forces them to use water sources for all purposes, including drinking. Moreover, in urban areas and with the availability of treated drinking water, people resort to supplying water from a source as traditions and cultural customs of the users predominate. The public survey results in this study confirm, according to the majority of witnesses, that drinking from these sources is continual, as 50% of the consumers live in the area and they do not have any digestive or intestinal problems; these water sources are more frequented in summer and at weekends. Furthermore, the majority of respondents consider these waters to be healthy and not subject to chemical treatment, and they represent a natural heritage with a good reputation among the population of the region.