Aguelmame Lake rehabilitation project launched in Ifrane

Authorities in Ifrane have launched a major rehabilitation project for Aguelmame Lake to restore its water quality and environmental health. The initiative follows the recent appearance of algae, organic debris, and sediment on the water's surface.

Local officials attribute the degradation to extreme weather patterns in 2026. Following years of drought, heavy winter and spring rains caused significant runoff via the Tizguit River, transporting mud, leaves, and branches into the basin. This accumulation, combined with existing sediments, triggered algal blooms.

The restoration program, a collaboration between provincial authorities, the Commune of Ifrane, and Water and Forestry services, includes dredging the lake bed, removing organic matter, and performing a partial drainage. To prevent future issues, officials plan to install filtration and aeration equipment to improve oxygen levels. Additionally, Abdeslam Lahrar, president of the Commune of Ifrane, is considering a direct water supply from a borehole to reduce the lake's dependence on unpredictable rainfall and river flooding.