Examines the concept of water efficiency, the impact of water recycling and implications for water management. Distinguishes between "wet" and "dry" water savings, and explores opportunities for creating "wet" savings-savings that make more water available for use in a basin.

Historically, water management has not been easy in the sub-region. Three climate interlinked factors have had a direct influence on it. The first is the aridity that affects all countries of the sub-region. It is impressing to think that about ninety percent of the area of the Maghrebine countries receive less than 100 mm rainfall per year that is poorly distributed. The second is the huge evaporation from open water reservoirs. For example, annual losses due to canal evaporation reach 2 cubic km in Egypt. Another factor is drought.

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