The filling rate of Tunisia’s dams stood at 34.2% during the period from September 1, 2023, to February 21, 2024, with water reserves estimated at 791.9 million cubic meters (m³), according to the latest data published by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI).
As of February 15, 2024, water inflows into the dams were limited to 455.8 million m³, a significant decrease compared to the average recorded in recent years (1,051.5 million m³).
Notably, 95% of these water supplies come from dams in the north, while dams in the center and Cap Bon regions contribute only 4% and 0.6%, respectively.
However, it is worth mentioning that water inflows during this period were higher than those recorded a year earlier (259 million m³). The filling levels vary significantly across dams.
For instance, the Sidi Salem dam is at 36% of its capacity, while the Sejnane and Sidi Saâd dams are at 29% and 23%, respectively. The Bouhertma and Joumine dams are at 56% and 26% of their capacities, respectively.
ONAGRI also reported a decline in rainfall over the past four months, with precipitation limited to 84.5 mm, compared to an average of 144.5 mm in recent years. This represents a rainfall deficit ranging between 27% and 68%, depending on the region.
Tunisia ranks 18th globally in terms of drought**
Tunisia is ranked 18th globally in terms of drought and 20th for water scarcity, according to data published by the World Resources Institute. These findings are included in a report titled “Climate Inflation: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Climate Change,” prepared by the Arab Institute of Business Managers.
The report highlights the major challenges Tunisia faces, including rising temperatures, declining rainfall, water scarcity, and drought.
Over the past three decades, Tunisia has experienced a temperature increase of approximately 0.4 degrees Celsius. For example, the average temperature between May and September 2022 was around 27.9 degrees Celsius, but it dropped to 27.1 degrees Celsius in the summer of 2023.
The agricultural sector is particularly affected by these climate changes, as it consumes about 80% of the country’s water resources. This poses a significant challenge in a context of increasing water scarcity.
Tunisia is in a state of water stress, with only 420 cubic meters of water available per capita annually—a deeply concerning situation.
With dam levels continuously declining and water stress intensifying, this vital resource is becoming scarcer by the day. While some may point to irresponsible water usage by citizens, authorities also bear a share of the responsibility for this critical issue.
