Algeria has experienced significant climatic shifts recently, primarily marked by improved rainfall compared to previous years. This has directly impacted the water levels in dams across several provinces. While seemingly a temporary phenomenon, this development prompts a re-evaluation of the relationship between water resources, water security, and food security in Algeria.
Climate Change: From Challenge to Opportunity
Climate change in Algeria is no longer solely viewed through the lens of drought and resource scarcity. Recent rainfall has presented temporary opportunities, significantly increasing the water levels in numerous dams. For example, the Oued El Teht dam in Mascara province reached 100% capacity, with overflow exceeding 11 million cubic meters, flowing directly into the Mina River, which feeds the Sidi M’hamed Ben Aouda dam in Relizane.
This underscores the importance of proactive state preparedness in water storage and management. Effectively managing water resources hinges not only on rainfall quantity but also on the ability to harness, store, and direct it towards priority uses.
Full Dams: Supporting Desalination Plants
Improved dam water levels are crucial for balancing the national water system, especially considering the extensive expansion of seawater desalination plants. Ample surface water resources alleviate pressure on desalination plants, granting them greater operational flexibility for routine maintenance or directing production exclusively to high-demand coastal areas.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune inaugurated four major strategic desalination plants in Boumerdès, Oran, Tipaza, and El Tarf in February and March 2025, each with a production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters per day. These facilities, in addition to the 18 existing desalination plants with a total capacity of approximately 3.75 million cubic meters per day, form a cornerstone of national water security. The increased dam levels provide additional resilience to this system.
New Dams: Enhancing Storage, Shaping the Future
Algeria is also preparing to bring five new dams online, further boosting water storage capacity and paving the way for a more secure and sustainable future in water resource management.
