Idriss 1er
One of Morocco's oldest major dams, supplying drinking water to Fez and Meknes and irrigating the Saïss plain.
72 m
Height
1,129.6
Capacity (Mm³)
86%
Fill Rate
40
Hydroelectric (MW)
1973
Built In
About This Dam
Completed in 1973 and named after Idriss I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty, Idriss 1er Dam is a 72 m high, 447 m long earthfill structure on the Inaouen River, 27 km northeast of Fez. It serves as a vital link in the Fez-Meknes water supply system, feeding two of Morocco's imperial cities. Its 40 MW power station produces 66 GWh annually, and it irrigates 72,300 hectares of farmland in the Saïss plain. The dam benefits from a modernization program funded by the African Development Bank.
Third largest dam in Morocco, water source for Fez and Meknes
Historical Fill Rates
Key Specifications
- Location: Fès-Meknès · Nearest City: Fez
- River: Inaouen · Basin: Sebou
- Type: Earthfill Dam · Height: 72 m
- Capacity: 1,129.6 Mm³ · Built In: 1973
- Hydroelectric: 40 MW
- Coordinates: 34.1620°N, 4.7490°W
Purpose
Irrigation
Provides water for agricultural irrigation
Water Supply
Supplies drinking water to cities
Hydroelectric
Generates renewable hydroelectric power
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Idriss 1er Dam?
Idriss 1er Dam has a total storage capacity of 1,129.6 million cubic meters (Mm³) and a height of 72 meters. It ranks among Morocco's strategic reservoirs and plays a key role in regional water security.
Where is Idriss 1er Dam located?
Idriss 1er Dam is located in the sebou river basin in Morocco. It is part of the national network of large dams managed by Morocco's hydraulic authorities.
When was Idriss 1er Dam built?
Idriss 1er Dam was commissioned in 1973. It forms part of Morocco's ongoing national dam-building program, which has expanded significantly since the 1960s.
What is the current water level at Idriss 1er Dam?
As of the latest update, Idriss 1er Dam holds 971.5 Mm³ out of a total capacity of 1,129.6 Mm³, representing a fill rate of 86%. Levels are updated regularly to track seasonal rainfall and water releases.
What is Idriss 1er Dam used for?
Idriss 1er Dam serves several purposes: supplying drinking water to nearby cities, irrigating agricultural land, regulating floods to protect downstream areas, and supporting regional water management.
Which river feeds Idriss 1er Dam?
Idriss 1er Dam is built on the Inaouen River. The dam captures the river's flow to store water for drinking, irrigation, and flood control.
Current Level
FullCapacity
971
Mm³
Remaining
158.6
Mm³
Fill Rate
86%
Updated · July 2026
Al Wahda
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FullCapacity
3,522.3
Height
88m
Built In
1997
Allal El Fassi
Allal El Fassi Dam is primarily dedicated to hydroelectric production. Located on the Sebou River, it is part of the Sebou basin hydraulic complex and significantly contributes to the country's renewable energy production.
FullCapacity
63.7
Height
62m
Built In
1991
El Kansera
El Kansera Dam is Morocco's oldest irrigation dam. Built in 1935 on the Beht River, it irrigates the fertile plains of the Gharb and stands as a testament to the country's hydraulic history.
FullCapacity
216.4
Height
51m
Built In
1935