Algiers carrying capacity with respect to per capita domestic water use

Water is a vital resource for humankind existence, and all ancient civilizations grew near rivers and waterholes. Wellbeing and health concerns are closely linked to the level of water consumption. That is why household water use constitutes the most important component of water supply and planning system. Rational management of this valuable resource is all the more imperative in countries facing water scarcity. In the mid nineties water shortages were frequent in Algiers and the situation worsened with cyclical droughts and population growth. Algerian government has launched major infrastructure projects consisting of dams and desalination plants to expand the water supply system. In this paper we will focus on Algiers carrying capacity with respect to household water use. We will first give a description of the current water supply system. Algiers water carrying capacity assessment is made considering internationally admitted levels of household consumption and taking into account water inputs that can significantly vary according to dry and wet years. The specific results can be used at a strategic level to lay the foundations of an urban sustainable policy.