Circular water economy model in Safi (Morocco)

Circular and resilient water management in urban areas

August 2025

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

Safi, a coastal town in Morocco, is a major industrial centre, particularly for phosphate mining. With a population of around 300,000, the town faces extreme water stress, industrial pollution and an urgent need for sustainable solutions to reconcile economic development with the conservation of natural resources. In a semi-arid climate (limited rainfall, hot summers), Safi must find ways to secure its water supply whilst reducing its environmental impact. The Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP), a key player in the local economy, plays a central role in the search for innovative solutions.

The circular water economy model in Safi, implemented by the OCP, combines seawater desalination and wastewater reuse to secure the resources needed for phosphate mining, whilst reducing the environmental impact. This project, carried out in collaboration with the Safi Inter-municipal Autonomous Water and Electricity Distribution Authority (RADEES) and the Marrakech-Safi Regional Multi-service Company (SRM-MS), demonstrates how heavy industry can adopt sustainable practices to conserve natural resources and support local development.

Solutions implemented

• Seawater desalination: Production of fresh water for industrial use, thereby reducing dependence on limited fresh water resources.

• Wastewater reuse : Treatment and reuse in industrial processes, such as cooling or ore washing.

• Circular industrial ecosystem : Integration of water, energy and material flows to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.

• Collaboration with local stakeholders : Involvement of local authorities, businesses and civil society to ensure sustainable and inclusive management.

Key results

• 50 per cent reduction in freshwater consumption through desalination and wastewater reuse, thereby improving the region’s water security.

• A 30 per cent reduction in the carbon footprint associated with phosphate mining, achieved through process optimisation and waste reduction.

• Creation of a replicable model for other industrial sites in Morocco and across Africa, demonstrating how industry can become a driving force for sustainability.

• Improved water resilience in the region, supporting both industry and local communities.

Climate and environmental impacts

• Climate change mitigation :

  -Seawater desalination reduces pressure on freshwater resources, but requires energy optimisation to limit CO₂ emissions.

  -Wastewater reuse reduces the need to pump and treat freshwater, an energy-intensive process.

  -Integrating water, energy and material flows into a circular ecosystem minimises waste and improves resource efficiency.

• Climate adaptation and resilience :

  -Water security : The combination of desalination and reuse improves water availability for industry, thereby reducing vulnerability to water shortages.

  -Wastewater management : Treatment and reuse reduce the risk of pollution to watercourses and groundwater.

• Biodiversity and water quality : Reducing discharges of untreated wastewater improves the quality of aquatic ecosystems, thereby protecting biodiversity and public health.

Success factors

• Values :

  - Recognition of the need to preserve natural resources in a context of scarcity.

  - Integration of sustainability and the circular economy into industrial processes.

• Connections :

  - Physical connections : Desalination and water reuse infrastructure is integrated into the industrial ecosystem, creating a coherent system for water management.

  - Social connections : Collaboration between OCP, local authorities, businesses and civil society to design solutions tailored to local needs.

• Investments :

  - Funding from the OCP : The project has received significant financial support from the OCP as part of its sustainability strategy.

  - Local partnerships : Collaboration with RADEES and SRM-MS to ensure sustainable resource management.

Sources

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