In the northern regions of Morocco, there’s a peculiar scent permeating from tap water that has been raising eyebrows and wrinkling noses for the past few days. This weird smell is not a random occurrence, but a byproduct of the massive drought that the nation has endured in recent years, according to local residents and experts.
The extreme drought has severely affected the water levels in the dams. With the water volume significantly lowered, the accumulated sediments at the bottom are more exposed, resulting in their smell being more pronounced. The resulting aroma from the tap water has become a widespread topic of discussion in cities like M’diq, prompting different reactions from the populace.
We had a chance to speak with some residents of M’diq about this emerging issue. The responses were diverse, reflecting the distinct perspectives of those affected. Some residents who have the financial means are opting to buy bottled water to circumvent the problem altogether. A significant proportion of those who can’t afford this option are resorting to heating the water at high temperatures before drinking it, hoping to eliminate any potential harm.
Interestingly, there is also a group of residents who seem unperturbed by the strange smell. Their reasoning is based on the robust water monitoring process that is conducted by local authorities. They assert that the tap water is tested twice per day, which should assure its quality despite the peculiar odor.
Nonetheless, there’s also a section of the populace criticizing the Moroccan Food Monitoring Agency for its lack of direct response to the issue. These critics argue that it’s the agency’s duty to conduct studies to assess whether the tap water is still safe for consumption. They stress that while the smell might be a nuisance, it’s the potential health risks that are more concerning.
The Moroccan Times.
