Water resources carrying capacity assessment: The case of Algeria's capital city

Abstract

Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, experienced in the past years, recurrent water shortages due to rampant population growth, coupled with the relative scarcity of water resources in this Mediterranean city. The current supply system, despite improvements that have occurred since then, still shows vulnerability vis-à-vis a number of factors. Indeed, cyclical droughts, that significantly reduce the intake of surface water, affect the region. Over-exploitation of groundwater has led to the phenomenon of seawater intrusion, when not mastered, can make these aquifers unusable. Water resources are also prone to pollution that threatens water potability. To analyze the balance between water supply and domestic demand, we will use the concept of water resources carrying capacity (WRCC). The latter can be defined as the level of human activity that can be withstood by the available water resources without major degradation of aquatic environments while maintaining an adequate standard of living. Action must be carried out simultaneously on the determinant factors of supply and demand which are of social, economic and environmental nature. The objective of this study is to assess the population that can be sustained with regard to water resources and domestic consumption patterns. Water demand consideration as much as on supply is of critical importance to reduce water supply vulnerability in a country with limited fresh water resources.