Water Pressure Issues in Casablanca and Dar Bouazza
Since the onset of summer, residents of various neighborhoods in Casablanca and the nearby area of Dar Bouazza have reported experiencing abnormally low water pressure, with some even facing interruptions during the day. This troubling situation has prompted the regional multi-service company, SRM Casablanca-Settat, to acknowledge that the adjustments made to the water supply system, particularly during nighttime hours, are essential in response to unprecedented consumption levels exceeding 1 million cubic meters in a single day. The SRM has provided detailed explanations regarding these necessary adjustments.
Operational Adjustments to Manage Water Supply
According to the SRM, these disruptions in water pressure are due to "exceptional pressure adjustment operations" carried out nightly between midnight and 5 AM. While the company clarifies that these measures do not constitute a complete water supply cut but rather a temporary reduction in pressure aimed at conserving available reserves, the impact is primarily felt by residents living in higher elevation areas or on the upper floors of buildings. Despite the official scope of these adjustments being limited to nighttime, many inhabitants continue to experience low water pressure, with complaints extending into daylight hours.
The SRM emphasizes that these nighttime pressure adjustments affect the entire network of potable water distribution across Casablanca. Specific areas that are notably impacted include Hay Hassani, Lissasfa, Hay Moulay Rachid, Aïn Chock, and parts of Dar Bouazza, particularly near Oulad Azzouz. The company's proactive management strategy is designed to ensure the continuity of potable water supply during peak demand periods, especially considering the dramatic increase in water consumption noted during the recent heat wave.
In June 2026, Casablanca-Settat experienced a historic spike in water consumption, with daily usage exceeding 1 million cubic meters—an increase of over 8% from the previous record set in 2025 and more than 17% compared to 2024. Despite improvements in rainfall this year, the SRM reports that the volumes of water supplied remain insufficient to meet the current demands during the high consumption summer months. To address these challenges, the SRM has adopted a strategy of nocturnal pressure reduction, aimed at replenishing reservoir levels before the morning and daytime peaks in consumption.
The company asserts that while rainfall has improved, it does not automatically translate into sufficient immediate water availability to meet the needs of a metropolis like Casablanca. The combination of high temperatures, population growth, and ongoing urban development has led to a sustained increase in demand for potable water, occasionally surpassing the current supply capacities. Looking ahead, the commissioning of the Casablanca desalination plant is expected to enhance water resource availability and ensure a more secure potable water supply for the region. According to Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment, this crucial infrastructure is set to become operational in February 2027.
As reported by medias24.com.
