*4.1.3 The drinking water directive*

The Directive in the Maghreb region aims to protect human health from potential dangers and to ensure that drinking water is wholesome and clean. Country specific directives are provided below:

Algeria adopted a monopolistic water management since 1962 to undertake tasks of water stress. The first law instituted between 1962 and 1980 was marked by institutional weaknesses, lack of available water, and nonexistence in demand management capability. Between 1980 and 1999, the second law was manifested by uncertain

institutional characteristics and inefficient water management. The third law from 2000 till today has been marked by institutional strengthening, a supply-driven approach, and inefficient water management [41].

Morocco—The main producer of drinkable water in Morocco is the national office of drinkable water (ONEP) that was created in 1972. In 2009, The authorities launched its new National Water Strategy covering the period from 2010 to 2030.This policy is based on the main following strategic objectives: (1) Management of water demand and water efficiency, (2) Management and supply development, (3) Preservation and protection of water resources, (4) Reducing vulnerability to the risks associated with water and adaptation to Climate Change, (5) Modernization of information systems and capacity building and skills and (6) Improvement of the institutional, legal and financial framework [42].

Tunisia—Tunisia's water code was created in 1975; it is the overarching legislation covering the water sector. Despite the scarcity of water resources, Tunisia has embraced a water management initiative which permitted the development of conventional and non-conventional freshwater reserves and control of water consumption in all socio-economic sectors. In 2009, Tunisia water law reform was enacted to reflect the actual social and economic situation in the country. The Water Code remains the most appropriate instrument governing public water domain and any resulting conflicts [43].

Libya—Law No. 7 of 1982 provides protection of the environment from pollution including air, water, soil and food [44].

Mauritania—Law No. 2005-030 of February 2nd, 2005 established the principle of delegation of WSS services by local governments to autonomous professional operators, including private firms. The law also extended the mandate of the Multisector Regulatory Authority (ARE) to the water sector, to regulate service, protect consumer interests and oversee of delegation contracts. However, the implementation of this law suffered from the political and institutional instability between 2005 and 2009, and has to date only marginally replaced GOM's engagement in service operations. Limited progress has been made in transferring service responsibilities from GOM's national operators SNDE or ONSER to private contractors accountable to local governments and ARE [8].
