Desertification, or the expansion of deserts, is a dangerous impact of climate change in Morocco. Although climate change will result in an increase of average precipitation, in some places levels of precipitation will diminish, and the Saharan Desert will expand to bordering countries while decreasing agricultural productivity. 

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Desertification has negative impacts on citizens' lifestyles, as people in rural areas are very dependent on precipitation in their agricultural activities. It results in a decrease in trees for their supply of fuel wood, which is used for heating homes, as well as agricultural productivity and grazing lands for livestock.

 

Benefits of Re-Using Water

 

Water recycling can diminish the extraction of freshwater from sensitive ecosystems. Indeed, the users of water can afford the supply to their demands throughout the use of the retreated water and could thus save important amounts of water in the environment and develop the flows to vital ecosystems. 

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Recycled water is also used to develop wetlands and stream habitats. Irrigation systems using recycled water tend to diminish the amount of chemical fertilizers needed. During the reused water treatment, by-products that could save the environment, develop air quality, and benefit the land are released - such as electricity and natural soil fertilizers. 

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In addition to water conservation, water recycling is the only activity that can achieve domestic, industrial and environmental water sustainability. Discarded water can be re-directed to non-potable uses, saving money and slowing the depletion of the potable water supply. Parks, golf courses, schools, and roadway greenbelts will remain green, thus increasing citizens’ enjoyment of public spaces.

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Example of Tamuda Bay Station

 

In Tamuda Bay station near Tetouan, Morocco, the waste water of Kabila to Fnidek is treated in an advanced, multi-step process that consists of eliminating coarse wastes, fats, and sands; using mirco-organisms to transform pollution into decomposable biomass;  separating this biomass from purified water; and finally disinfecting the water using chlorine gas. The Tamuda Bay station also treats sludge and absorbs waste smells using a charcoal-based process. 

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This level of treatment and purification unfortunately is the exception, rather than the rule, to how water is re-used in Morocco. Most water, once used, is simply dumped in rivesr and streams or treated with a less rigorous process.