Algeria's dam capacity reached nearly 60% on Thursday, May 14, according to Abdellatif Azira, Director General of the National Agency for Dams and Transfers. Azira stated that "the dam filling rate in Algeria approached 60%, thanks to significant rainfall this year." This figure represents an increase of approximately 20 percentage points compared to the same period last year. The Director General provided these details during a press briefing held on Thursday, May 14, where he noted the positive impact of recent weather patterns on the nation's water reserves.
Record Rainfall Boosts Reserves
The significant quantities of rainfall that have fallen this year across Algerian territory have played a key role in boosting the country's water storage. These rains have allowed for the increase of the stored water level in dams to 4.6 billion cubic meters, according to Abdellatif Azira, Director General of the National Agency for Dams and Transfers. Azira stated that this substantial volume corresponds to "a filling rate of 59.55%." He added that compared to the same period last year, this rate has risen by approximately 20 percentage points, showing the effectiveness of the current rainy season.
The improved water levels are a welcome development for the nation's water security. Currently, there are 20 dams that have reached a 100% filling capacity, signifying their complete replenishment. Among these fully replenished dams are Beni Haroun Dam in Mila Province, Tichy Haf Dam in Bejaia Province, and Bouhanifia Dam in Mascara Province. These dams are now operating at their optimal storage levels, providing a strong supply of water for various uses.
Upcoming Dam Maintenance and Upgrades
The National Agency for Dams and Transfers (الوكالة الوطنية للسدود والتحويلات) is preparing to launch its fourth campaign for dam cleaning in the near future. This cleaning initiative is critical for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of the dams, as it aims to remove 10 million cubic meters of silt from the reservoirs. The accumulation of silt can reduce storage capacity and affect water quality, making regular cleaning essential. In an innovative approach to waste management, the agency is conducting research in collaboration with universities to explore the use of this silt in the manufacture of building materials and for agricultural purposes, transforming a potential waste product into a valuable resource.
In parallel with maintenance efforts, the National Agency for Dams and Transfers is actively working on installing solar panels at several dams. Specifically, solar energy panels will be installed at the Beni Haroun Dam, a key facility in the national water network. This move towards renewable energy aims to reduce operational costs and enhance the sustainability of dam management. The agency has already begun implementing a full project for the digitization of dam management. This ambitious initiative will integrate advanced artificial intelligence technologies into its operations, promising more efficient monitoring, predictive maintenance, and overall optimized water resource management across the country.
New Dams and Future Capacity
Algeria's existing infrastructure includes 82 dams currently in operation, forming the backbone of the nation's water supply system. Plans are well underway to significantly expand this capacity, with five new dams slated to become operational in the coming days. This immediate addition will provide a swift boost to water storage capabilities. An additional five dams are expected to enter service during the current year, further augmenting the nation's water storage capabilities. The combined additional storage capacity from these new dams is estimated at 250 million cubic meters, representing a substantial increase to the country's overall water reserves and enhancing its resilience against future water challenges.