Desalination Plants Supply 40% of National Drinking Water

Algeria's comprehensive strategy for national water security was detailed by Minister of Water Resources, Lounas Bouzegza, during a presentation to the Finance and Budget Committee of the People's National Assembly. The nation currently operates 82 dams, which collectively possess a water mobilization capacity exceeding 8.6 billion cubic meters, forming a cornerstone of the country's water infrastructure.

Complementing these dam systems are 31 operational seawater desalination plants. These facilities contribute significantly to the country's potable water supply, with an aggregate production capacity of 3.6 million cubic meters daily. This output currently accounts for approximately 40 percent of the water designated for drinking across Algeria.

The Minister indicated that this proportion is projected to rise to 60 percent upon the completion of ongoing and programmed projects. These extensive infrastructure initiatives are designed to diversify Algeria's water supply sources, enhance national water security, meet the increasing demand for water resources, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.