fourLINK Blog

Addressing Tunisia's Battle Against 5-Year Drought: Water Restrictions and Solutions

18th August 2024

Tunisia is grappling with a prolonged five-year drought, leading to a significant 16% rise in the cost of drinking water to the highest usage tier and tourist facilities. Lower but still significant increases apply to other high-volume users, while prices for small household users remain unchanged.

Despite recent rainfall, which slightly improved dam levels to 35% capacity by the end of February 2024, experts warn that it's insufficient to alleviate ongoing water shortages.

Being highly vulnerable to climate change, Tunisia heavily relies on capturing surface water, making it susceptible to fluctuations in rainfall. Like many countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia faces recurring droughts due to climate change, exacerbating water stress in the region.

In response to excessive water consumption, Tunisia implemented water quotas last March and has been enforcing nighttime supply restrictions since last summer. The usage of drinking water in agriculture has been banned, resulting in a 60% decrease in grain production. Violators of water usage bans face penalties, including fines and imprisonment for up to six months.

Tunisia is exploring alternative water sources, including desalination and wastewater treatment, to address its ongoing water concerns. Currently, desalination plants provide 6% of freshwater, with plans to increase this to 30% by 2030. Additionally, wastewater treatment plants, such as the one in Siliana, filter out 95% of impurities, offering sustainable solutions amidst climate uncertainties.

As Tunisia prepares for future challenges, it is embracing alternative water sources to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Water scarcity is impacting agriculture and other sectors, with broader economic consequences, including increased unemployment and reliance on imported grain. Tunisia’s per capita water availability is now well below the UN’s water poverty threshold, indicating severe water stress.

In conclusion, Tunisia’s water crisis is a complex, multifaceted challenge demanding coordinated policy reform, infrastructure investment, and sustainable resource management. While recent funding and projects signal hope, the country must accelerate adaptation efforts to safeguard its population’s health, food security, and economic stability in the face of escalating climate pressures.

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