Urgent Action Needed for National Water Security

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, chronic droughts, and dwindling rainfall, Tunisia is facing a pressing water crisis. According to Anis Ben Rayana, an agricultural expert, the country's traditional water resources are rapidly depleting, while demand continues to rise. In this critical situation, Tunisia has a largely untapped resource: wastewater recycling.

Speaking on a radio broadcast, Ben Rayana highlighted a striking paradox. Each year, Tunisia produces approximately 300 million cubic meters of treated wastewater, a substantial volume that could help alleviate the water shortage. However, the current exploitation rate stands at a mere 10%. This underutilized resource has become a top priority in a country that has crossed the threshold of water scarcity. In 2022, the annual per capita water allocation dropped to 422 cubic meters, and projections for 2050 predict a concerning decline to 387 cubic meters.

Tunisia relies on a network of 128 wastewater treatment plants, with the pioneering Choutrana plant dating back to 1965. However, the infrastructure requires a massive upgrade. The national strategy "Eau 2050," led by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to invest a total of 74 billion dinars. Of this amount, over 39 billion will be dedicated to the sanitation sector to transform what was once considered waste into a strategic resource.

The ambitious goals are clear: to increase the irrigated area from the current 8,000 hectares to over 43,000 hectares by 2050. Today, this resource already supports 31 agricultural perimeters, maintains ten golf courses, and fuels industrial activities, such as phosphate washing in the Gafsa and Gabès regions. It also plays a crucial ecological role by recharging groundwater aquifers and irrigating urban green spaces.

From a health perspective, the use of these waters is strictly regulated. Ben Rayana notes that they are authorized for 21 types of crops, including industrial plants, ornamental trees, and certain fodder crops, but are formally prohibited for irrigating vegetables. Rigorous protocols are applied, such as prohibiting irrigation two weeks before harvest or banning sprinkler irrigation for fruit trees, ensuring a safe transition to a circular water economy.

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