Algeria Bolsters Water Supply with National Expertise and Extensive Infrastructure Projects
Algeria is making significant strides in strengthening its national water security, particularly through an ambitious program to expand seawater desalination capabilities. The nation's current desalination capacity stands at 3.6 million cubic meters per day, contributing 40% of the country's potable water supply. This substantial advancement highlights a profound transformation in Algeria's water policy and is notably distinguished by its fully national character, with all strategic infrastructure management and operation entrusted to Algerian expertise and personnel, without reliance on foreign assistance.
Looking ahead, Algeria has set an ambitious target to increase desalination coverage to 62% of national water needs by 2029. This expansion will be complemented by the progressive extension of interconnection networks, designed to deliver desalinated water from coastal regions to currently underserved interior wilayas. Beyond desalination, Algeria's comprehensive water strategy also leverages 82 operational dams, which hold reserves of 4.5 billion cubic meters, with an additional five structures currently under construction to further boost storage capacities. The nation also operates 234 wastewater treatment plants, annually producing 1.1 billion cubic meters of treated water primarily designated for agricultural irrigation and industrial uses, thereby alleviating pressure on conventional resources. This strategic diversification of supply sources reflects a coherent vision to counter the impacts of climate change on water resources.
To further optimize water distribution and ensure equitable access, the Algerian government is proactively addressing challenges related to network efficiency. Acknowledging that some wilayas experience water losses, the state has initiated 53 emergency projects across several regions. These projects, prioritized in wilayas such as Tissemsilt, Tindouf, Khenchela, and Djelfa, are aimed at modernizing distribution networks to reduce losses attributable to aging infrastructure and illegal connections, thereby guaranteeing continuous and equitable public service nationwide. This proactive campaign against water wastage forms part of a broader ongoing initiative to overhaul the potable water distribution system, which includes the deployment of smart meters and the rehabilitation of degraded pipelines.
