Algeria’s Innovative Approach to Combat Water Scarcity

Algeria’s Battle Against Water Scarcity

Algeria is confronting one of its most significant challenges: ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water. In response to this escalating water crisis, the government has initiated a series of innovative and ambitious projects aimed at securing access to potable water for its citizens.

Located to the west of Oran, the Cap Blanc seawater desalination mega-plant stands as a testament to Algeria’s strategic investment in water resources. Currently, Oran relies on three existing desalination plants, yet this infrastructure is insufficient to meet the demands of a population of approximately 2.5 million, as well as the needs of its industrial sector. The Cap Blanc project, which is being developed at an accelerated pace, is set to significantly enhance the drinking water supply for Oran and surrounding western wilayas. This crucial facility is expected to commence operations in December 2024, a mere 25 months after construction began.

Mouloud Hachlaf, the Communications Director of the Algerian Energy Company (AEC), underscores the importance of this initiative: “We anticipated the drought with an initial program that established 14 plants capable of producing 2.2 million m³ of water per day, which accounts for 18% of the drinking water supply for citizens. By the year 2050, the Sahel region, including Algeria, is projected to experience a 20% reduction in rainfall. Therefore, we are developing a complementary program aimed at increasing our seawater desalination capacity from 18% to 42%.”

While seawater desalination has faced criticism regarding its cost and potential environmental impact, Algeria is taking proactive measures to mitigate these concerns. The government is committed to integrating an energy mix within its desalination plants, incorporating solar panels to render these facilities more environmentally sustainable.

In addition to the Cap Blanc plant, several other desalination projects are in progress. The Mostaganem plant, inaugurated in 2011, has a daily production capacity of 200,000 m³ of drinking water. Furthermore, a new facility is planned for Khadra, located 72 km east of Mostaganem, which is expected to produce an additional 300,000 m³ of drinking water daily while also providing safeguards against rising sea levels.

Farouk Elbrouz, the Technical Director of STMM, elaborates on the quality control measures in place: “We can manage all stages of the water treatment process and conduct regular analyses to ensure that our water meets both Algerian and World Health Organization (WHO) standards.”

However, relying solely on desalination is not sufficient to fulfill all of Algeria’s drinking water requirements. The country is also exploring ways to enhance its water supply by reusing treated wastewater. A case in point is Médéa, a region located 90 kilometers from the capital, Algiers, where fruit-growing farms utilize treated water for irrigation, allowing them to maintain their crops even during prolonged droughts.

Abdelkader Benkorbi, an agricultural engineer, explains the necessity of this approach: “We were compelled to seek alternative water sources, and the treated water from the treatment plant became our only viable solution.”

Algeria is strategically planning to rely on seawater desalination to meet 60% of its population’s water needs by the year 2030. This initiative, in conjunction with advanced wastewater treatment technologies, aims to build a resilient future capable of addressing the climate challenges that lie ahead.