Morocco's Largest Northern Dam Hits 100% After Heavy Rains

After weeks of powerful rainfall, Morocco's largest northern dam has reached 100% capacity and stayed there, bringing relief to farming communities across multiple provinces.

The Oued Al Makhazine dam near Ksar El Kebir hit full capacity on January 5 and hasn't dropped since. The reservoir now holds enough water to supply the provinces of Ouazzane and Ksar El Kebir, plus the vital Ouamra and Larache plains where much of the region's agriculture happens.

The turnaround came fast. Since the rainy season began, the region has seen over 480 millimeters of rainfall. That's enough to pour 215 million cubic meters of water into the dam, filling the massive reservoir that stretches nearly 28 kilometers across the landscape.

The timing couldn't be better for local farmers starting their growing season. Heavy downpours exceeding 100 millimeters in just 72 hours supercharged rivers and streams feeding the dam. Water flowed in from the Loukkos River, mountain streams from Ouazzane and Larache, and runoff cascading down from the Rif massif.

Mohammed Nami, who manages the dam, told local media that water managers are now carefully releasing surplus volumes. The excess flows through a downstream hydroelectric station in controlled amounts, following protocols designed to protect the system while keeping water available when it's needed most.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about one full reservoir. The dam's capacity means farmers can plan their planting with confidence, knowing irrigation water will be there through the dry months. Communities that felt the pinch of water scarcity in previous seasons now have breathing room.

The hydroelectric station adds another benefit, turning that flowing water into clean energy for surrounding areas. Every controlled release serves double duty: managing water levels safely while generating power.

Water security touches everything in agricultural regions like this. Stable supplies mean more reliable harvests, which means stable incomes for farming families and steady food supplies for cities downstream.

The strong start to this agricultural season offers hope that northern Morocco's water challenges are easing, at least for now.