*4.1.4 Groundwater projects and regulations*

The intensive use of natural resources in the Maghreb, in particular by the agricultural sector has put enormous pressure on freshwater management in different countries of the Maghreb. Groundwater has become one of the most fragile of water reserves to satisfy the rapid development (especially for irrigation) in the region. However, such development has become unstainable because of aquifer overexploitation and its effects (vulnerability). Therefore, the groundwater regulations aim to establish a regime which regulates the environmental quality standards and prevent any inputs pollutants into aquifers, by controlling the direct and indirect discharges of certain substances into its reserves.

Algeria—Water supply (for drinking, agriculture and industry) in Algeria is heavily depend on groundwater. People in the north of Algeria relies on coastal aquifers for irrigation which is facing over-exploitation and vulnerability of its waters. The Algerian government aspires to provide a sustainable water resource to water supply by carrying out a national water plan "The 2005 Water Law". This program is required
