Algeria is grappling with significant issues regarding its drinking water supply. In reaction to this crisis, the government is exploring innovative solutions, including investments in desalination and wastewater recycling.
Algeria is tackling a major issue with its drinking water supply. To combat this growing challenge, the government is implementing innovative solutions through large-scale projects focused on ensuring access to clean water for its citizens.
One notable project is the Cap Blanc seawater desalination plant, located west of Oran. This critical facility is designed to address the insufficiency of existing plants, which are unable to meet the demands of Oran’s 2.5 million residents and local industries. The Cap Blanc plant, currently under rapid development, is expected to significantly enhance the water supply for Oran and nearby western regions. It is slated to become operational in December 2024, just 25 months after construction began.
Mouloud Hachlaf, Communications Director of the AEC, underscores the significance of this initiative: “We anticipated the drought with an initial program that established 14 plants capable of producing 2.2 million m³ per day, addressing 18% of the drinking water needs. As the Sahel, including Algeria, is projected to experience a 20% reduction in rainfall by 2050, we are working on a supplementary plan to increase our desalinated water production from 18% to 42%.”
Despite concerns about the cost and environmental impact of seawater desalination, Algeria is committed to mitigating these effects by incorporating an energy mix, including solar power, to make the infrastructure more eco-friendly.
Additional projects are also in progress, such as the Mostaganem plant, which has been operational since 2011 and produces 200,000 m³ of drinking water daily. A new plant is planned for Khadra, 72 km east of Mostaganem, with a target output of 300,000 m³ per day, also aimed at countering rising sea levels.
Farouk Elbrouz, Technical Director of STMM, notes: “We manage every stage of water treatment and perform regular analyses to ensure compliance with both Algerian and WHO standards.”
However, desalination alone will not fully meet Algeria’s water needs. The country is also focusing on increasing its water supply through the reuse of treated wastewater, as seen in Médéa. Located 90 kilometers from Algiers, this region uses treated water for irrigating fruit farms, helping them withstand prolonged droughts.
Agricultural engineer Abdelkader Benkorbi explains: “We had to find a water source, and the treated water from the treatment plant was our only viable option.”
Algeria plans to rely on seawater desalination to meet 60% of its population’s water needs by 2030. This strategy, combined with innovative wastewater treatment methods, aims to ensure greater resilience against future climate challenges.