Aquimed

The 1200 km2 Chaouia Costal Aquifer is situated between Casablanca and Azemmour cities. Since the 70s, groundwater has been used intensively for irrigation, initially for citrus production and later for market crops (mainly tomato and potato) and forage. Groundwater overuse led to sea water intrusion in littoral land, with water salinity reaching up to 10mS/cm, and decreasing groundwater levels in in-land areas. Since the 80s, farmers have to adapt to such groundwater stress, with strategies such as deepening boreholes, bringing fresh water in sufficient quantity to their farms or renting fields in groundwater fertile areas, either more in-land or in other regions. Groundwater stress has been the prime factor that led the region from very intensive export-oriented agriculture to a current situation of crisis and fragility nowadays. No groundwater management mechanism is yet implemented in practice. Public policy plans contemplate bringing surface water to part of the area and accompanying shift to less water-dependent activities, such as poultry.