The rate of exploitation of deep aquifers in 2021 recorded an increase of 14.5% compared to 2017, up from 117% to 134%, according to data published on Tuesday by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI).
This is mainly due to the “notable” increase in the number of unauthorised boreholes, from 13,463 to 21,279 in 2021.
Over the period 2017-2021, the volume exploited from the deep aquifers showed a gradual increase, from 1,668.8 cubic millimetres (Mm³) in 2017 to 1,922 Mm3 in 2021, i.e. up 15.2%.
The volume of exploited groundwater reached 914 Mm3 in 2021, a slight rise (1.2%) compared with the volume exploited in 2020.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse