Réutilisation des eaux usées en régions arides : défis et solutions intelligentes

Wastewater Reuse in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: A
Comprehensive Review of Challenges, Opportunities, and
Smart Solutions
Hajar ABOURAZZEK*a, Soukaina HARIFa, Rachid FAOUZIa, Moulay Abdelazize
ABOULHASSANa
a Laboratory of Mechanic Process Energy and Environment, National School of Applied
Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 1136/S, Morocco;
* [email protected]
Water scarcity is no longer a distant concern but a
pressing global challenge that threatens food
security, public health, and sustainable
development. In this context, wastewater reuse has
emerged as both an opportunity and a necessity. Its
general stakes are clear: relieving pressure on
overexploited freshwater sources [1], protecting
communities from health risks [2], reducing
environmental pollution, closing nutrient loops [3],
and fostering social acceptance through clear
governance and trust [4].
In Morocco’s Souss-Massa region where aquifers
are depleting and agriculture is under increasing
stress [5] these challenges are particularly acute.
This review explores how “smart” wastewater reuse
strategies, combining advanced treatment
processes [6], health risk safeguards [2], and digital
innovations, can provide a way forward. Examples such as the Agadir M’Zar wastewater
treatment plant demonstrate that integrating IoT sensors, predictive models, and artificial
intelligence can enhance water quality monitoring, optimize operations in real time, and build
confidence among end-users [7], [8]. Beyond the local case, the paper situates wastewater
reuse within the broader ambition of achieving Morocco’s 2030 targets (325 million m³ per year)
[9] and, more globally, of embracing water as part of a circular economy [10].
Ultimately, smart wastewater reuse is not only about technology; it is about securing livelihoods,
sustaining agriculture, and ensuring dignity in water access for present and future generations.
Keywords
Wastewater reuse; water scarcity; Souss-Massa; smart water management; artificial
intelligence; sanitation safety
References
[1] United Nations World Water Assessment Programme, The United Nations World Water Development
Report 2023: Partnerships and Cooperation for Water, UNESCO, 2023.
[2] World Health Organization, Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Excreta and Greywater, 3rd
ed., Geneva, 2006.

[3] J. Mateo-Sagasta, S. M. Zadeh, and H. Turral, Water Pollution from Agriculture: A Global Review, FAO
& IWMI, Rome, 2017.
[4] COSTEA/AFEID, Réutilisation des eaux usées en agriculture – Synthèse Maroc, 2022.
[5] Agence du Bassin Hydraulique Souss-Massa, Plan Directeur des Ressources en Eau du bassin Souss-
Massa, Rabat, 2013.
[6] A. Mouhanni et al., “Évaluation de l’impact environnemental de la réutilisation des eaux usées épurées
en irrigation : analyse ionique des sols,” Revue Environnement Ingénierie & Développement, no. 59, 2011.
[7] La Vie Éco, “Irrigation des espaces verts et golfs : Souss-Massa mise sur la réutilisation des eaux
usées,” 12 sept. 2021.
[8] Envirotec Magazine, “Profiling the growing use of AI in public-sector WWTPs,” June 2025.
[9] Ministère de l’Équipement et de l’Eau, Programme National de Réutilisation des Eaux Usées (PNREU),
Rabat, 2021.
[10] International Water Management Institute (IWMI), “e-ReWater: AI & satellite-enabled wastewater
reuse platform for MENA,” communiqué, 2023.