Salon de l'eau

Mme. Belkeziz Soad, architecte and urban planner, presents a comprehensive view on urban water management, specifically on strategies to address water wastage and promote sustainable practices within cities like Marrakech. Representing the Regional Council of the Order of Architects of Tensift and Turâth Association, which focuses on heritage preservation, she underscores that the bulk of water consumption in Morocco is for irrigation, surpassing global averages.

Key Issues in Urban Water Management

Water Leaks in Urban Infrastructure

Major water losses in urban areas result from leaks in buried pipelines, with estimates indicating up to 50% of water is lost in Morocco, although Marrakech shows relatively better performance with only 35% loss. Advanced solutions, such as digital technology and artificial intelligence, are crucial to detect and minimize these losses efficiently.

Rapid urbanization has led to the impermeabilization of city surfaces, which prevents natural water infiltration into the groundwater. Instead, rainwater is channeled through networks that are prone to waste and pollution, contributing to floods and a loss of natural cooling effects in urban areas.

Innovative Approaches to Urban Design

There's a push to make cities more permeable to water by implementing green infrastructure like vegetated terraces, permeable pavements, and urban green spaces. Policies and incentives, such as those outlined in Morocco's 2016 Sustainable Urbanism Guidelines, encourage these solutions by rewarding builders who incorporate permeable and rainwater management techniques.

Reusing Rainwater and Treated Wastewater

At a property level, rainwater capture can support irrigation, while cities should consider treated wastewater for public green spaces, a practice already underway for some golf courses in Marrakech. Advanced wastewater treatment technologies, such as SMART-ALG by the startup EBF, show promise for broader application.