Tunisia: Dam Filling Rate Reaches 34.44% Thanks to Recent Rainfall

The water stock in Tunisian dams reached 815 million cubic meters as of February 8, 2025, representing a filling rate of 34.44%, according to data issued by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI).

An Improvement, but Still Worrying Levels
Although recent rains have helped improve reservoir levels, Tunisian dams still struggle to reach satisfactory volumes. In September 2019, water reserves in the dams were twice as high, with a filling rate of 65.5%. Since September 2020, the 40% threshold has not been reached, with the last registered average being 43%.

Life-Saving but Insufficient Rainfall
After several years of alarming declines in water reserves, the situation has slightly improved in recent weeks thanks to rainfall. These rains have increased water inflows into the dams and helped replenish part of the reserves. Nevertheless, the current volume remains well below the country’s needs and the averages of previous years.

The Urgent Need for Optimized Water Resource Management
Despite this relative improvement, Tunisia continues to face water stress. Experts call for more efficient water resource management, combined with investments in desalination technologies, wastewater reuse, and rationalized consumption in both the agricultural and domestic sectors.

If weather patterns remain favourable in the coming weeks, a further increase in the filling rate could be registered. However, long-term structural solutions remain essential to prevent a recurring water crisis in Tunisia.